The Jordan women’s football team have requested a ‘gender verification check’ against an Iranian goalkeeper who played against them.
In a recent match where Jordan took on Iran in the 2022 Women’s Asian Cup, the president of Jordan’s Football Association, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, demanded an investigation into whether or not Iranian goalkeeper Zohreh Koudaei is a man.
Koudaei was the star of the show for Iran as she saved two crucial penalties for which saw Iran bean beat Jordan 4-2 on penalties - ultimately securing a spot in the Asian Cup.
Watch | Solidarity campaign in support of the Iranian goalkeeper Zohreh Koudaei. #Iran pic.twitter.com/pdYLlGsOWZ
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) November 16, 2021
Previously, Koudaei has been forced to defend herself after accusations about her gender previously in many Iranian newspapers.
The Jordan FA have argued that due to the Iranian team's history of doping and gender issues there is no reason to not have an investigation.
Iran’s team said they would cooperate with sending any documents needed and that Zohreh Koudaei is indeed female.
Iran’s head coach however has dismissed the allegations against the 32-year-old goalkeeper.
“The medical staff have 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.
“These allegations are just an excuse not to accept the defeat against the Iranian women’s national team,” she added.
LIT supports Zohreh Koudaei who has taken a lot of abuse from people in Jordan and elsewhere. Leave her alone. pic.twitter.com/H0IfZVNfjO
— Living in Tehran (@LivinginTehran) November 16, 2021
