"It should be planned in a way that women are respected and are given the best places to watch national and important games," the president was quoted as saying by state television.

In his order to the head of Iran's Physical Education Organisation, the president argued that despite reservations, "experience has proven that when women and families are allowed into stadiums, ethics and chastity will prevail."

Since Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution ushered in segregation of the sexes and a strict dress code for women, only a tiny number of Iranian women have been allowed inside stadiums -- despite a national passion for football that is shared by men and women alike.