Blatter watched Iran and Turkey’s girls soccer match in the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.
Iran's participation in the inaugural event was in doubt after FIFA refused them permission to wear a uniform in line with the nation’s Islamic dress code. But following personal intervention by Blatter, the world governing body finally approved an altered kit that swapped the proposed headscarf for a cap that covers the hair, but not the neck.
“We invited Blatter to come to Iran to assess the development of Iranian women in the sport. Iran showed a good performance in Singapore in their first experience,” secretary general of Iran’s National Olympic committee said.
“The Iranian women’s football teams just can compete in the international competitions observing the Islamic dress code. We wanted Mr. Blatter to allow them to participate in the other tournaments wearing hijab,” Bahram Afsharzadeh added.