Iran players banned from selfies with women at Asian Cup

IRAN snatched a dramatic late winner against the United Arab Emirates at the Asian Cup last night — but were careful not to celebrate by taking “selfies” with female fans.

(FILES) This file photo taken on January 15, 2015 shows a fan of Iran cheering during their game against Qatar in their Group C football match in the AFC Asian Cup in Sydney. Iran's footballers have been warned they could face punishment if they take "selfie" pictures with female fans who have turned out in large numbers at the Asian Cup. AFP PHOTO / FILES / Peter PARKS --IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

IRAN snatched a dramatic late winner against the United Arab Emirates at the Asian Cup last night — but were careful not to celebrate by taking “selfies” with female fans.

Substitute Reza Ghoochannejhad, nicknamed “Gucci” by his club mates at Charlton Athletic, popped up to score in injury time and give Iran a 1-0 victory and secure top spot in Group C, meaning they are likely to avoid holders Japan in the quarter-finals.

Iran’s players have incurred the wrath of the country’s authorities after posing for photographs with female fans who have turned out in droves to watch their games in Australia.

But in a reminder that politics is never far away from the sporting arena in Tehran, Ali Akbar Mohamedzade, head of the FA’s moral committee, issued a stern warning after photos of players with adoring female fans circulated on social media.

Iran players have been banned from taking selfies with "inappropriately dressed" female fans http://t.co/ihdnqUQoQg pic.twitter.com/xbjNFv83DH

— Complex UK (@complex_uk) January 19, 2015

“National team players should be (careful) that ... those who take pictures with them don’t use these photos against the players,” Iran’s Shahrvand newspaper quoted him as saying.

“According to this, they should not take photos. If the players don’t respect this, we will be obliged to take action.”

Women are banned from men’s sports events in Iran, but Team Melli have been feted like rock stars in Australia, with fans tweeting pictures of themselves with the players.

Originally published as Iran players banned from selfies with women at Asian Cup