Iran’s goalkeeper retaliates after Jordan’s football association accuses her of being a man

Team Udayavani, Nov 19, 2021, 12:48 PM IST

The Jordan Football Association (FA) has requested that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) investigate the sex of an Iranian women’s football goalie, Zohreh Koudaei. According to the Daily Mail, Koudaei retaliated on Thursday, threatening to sue the Jordan Football Association for ‘bullying.’

“I am a woman. This is bullying from Jordan,” Koudaei said emphatically.

Turkish newspaper Hurriyet quoted her saying, “I will sue the Jordan FA.”

The incident occurred in July during a qualification match between Jordan and Iran for the 2022 Women’s Asia Cup, which Iran won 4-2. Iran’s shot-stopper Koudaei saved two penalties, ensuring Iran’s qualifying for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Iranian women's football team won against its Jordan opponent and reached the final of the Asian Cup qualifiers. Iranian goalkeeper, Ms. Zohreh khodaei, really shined in this game.🌸🏵️🙏🙏🙏🙏💖❤️#Iran pic.twitter.com/Bf9xcbn8Gm

— 🇮🇷Somayeh (@SomayehFarsIran) November 17, 2021

The claim was refuted by Iran’s selector, Maryam Irandoost, according to a report in the Times of Israel.

Irandoost told sports news site Varzesh3, “The medical staff has carefully examined each player on the national team in terms of hormones to avoid any problems in this regard, and so I tell all fans not to worry,” further adding, “We will provide any documentation that the Asian Confederation of Football wishes without wasting time.”