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In an effort to fight “western customs and practices” in sports, the vice president of the Iranian Olympic Committee has announced new rules that will exclude many women from domestic and international sporting events.
In a memorandum sent to all sporting federations, [Abdolreza] Savar, who is in-charge of the "proper behaviour of male and female athletes" said that "severe punishment will be meted out to those who do not follow Islamic rules during sporting competitions" both local and abroad.
The memorandum also said that "no male coach can train or accompany the athletes when they travel abroad."
"If female trainers are not found, our female teams will not participate in international competitions," said Savar.
Iran’s women’s volleyball team, once one of the best in Asia, is now unable to compete internationally because no suitable female trainer has been found.
Mr Savar also placed severe restrictions on female Olympic athletes.
He said that Iran's sportswomen will not participate at the next Olympic games, in any discipline, where there will be any sort of physical contact with the referee, if it is a man.
He says the new rules are intended to promote Islamic culture. Depriving Iran of Olympic medals will make Islamic culture look very attractive, I'm sure.
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