Football and the authoritarian regime in Iran

Abstract : The history of football in Iran is made up of contradictory processes, as the weight of successive authoritarian regimes iscounterbalanced by international regulations and byplayers and spectators’ attitudes. The state is trying to control the world of football and use it for its diplomatic relations. The article analyses the regime's fears and reactions to several phenomena that are dangerous for it: supporters' outburststhat run counter to religious morality, political protests in stadiums and women's demands.