Iran should back goalkeeper Zohreh Koudaei accused of being male

Iran must throw its weight behind Zohreh Koudae over allegations by Jordan doubting her sexuality.

Jordan’s FA had accused the Iranian goalie of being a man.

On Sept. 25, Koudaei saved two penalties as Team Melli Baanovaan defeated Jordan 4-2 in a shoot-out to qualify for the 2022 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time in their history and best online casino will be looking out for the tournament.

The match ended in a goalless draw but was decided on penalties.

The president of Jordan’s FA, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, then tweeted a letter “requesting a gender verification check” on the Iranian goalkeeper.

“We duly acknowledge article 47 of the AFC Women’s Asia Cup India 2022 Competition Regulations, and understand that gender verification is not mandatory for participating players,” the letter reads.

“However, the article reserves the right for AFC to initiate a transparent and clear investigation by a panel of independent medical experts to investigate the eligibility of the player in question and others on the team.”

But Koudaei says she will file a complaint to FIFA against Jordan’s FA, restoring her dignity.

“I am a woman. This is bullying from Jordan,” Koudaei said to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet.

A spokesman for the AFC said, “The AFC does not comment on ongoing investigations and/or proceedings, whether actual or potential.”

Iran’s coach, Maryam Irandoost, told sports outlet Varzesh3: “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.

“We will provide any documentation that the Asian Confederation of Football wishes without wasting time.”

Maryam Irandoost's ladies will face India, China and Chinese Taipei. Iran is the least ranked team in Group A at 72. India, the host is 57th. Taipei, meanwhile, is rated 40th with the 17th best side in the world, China favourites.

The Chinese women have won the title eight times but are searching for their first title since 2006. Chinese Taipei was champions on three occasions while India are beaten finalists twice in 1979 and 1981 respectively.

The tournament is scheduled for January 20 to February 6 2022. A total of three venues are set to host the fixtures - the Mumbai Football Arena, the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune. Iran face India in the opener with nz.goldenrivieracasino.com set to provide the odds for the game.

The 20th edition of the Women’s Asian Cup will be the largest in history following its expansion from eight to 12 teams. The top five finishers will progress, joining hosts Australia and New Zealand at the global finals, while the sixth- and seventh-placed sides will head into the inter-confederation play-offs. If Australia finish among the top five, the sixth-placed team will also advance to the Women's World Cup.

"It is an exciting group. We respect all our opponents, as all of them are strong teams who have qualified for the AFC Asian Cup India 2022. But we are ready to play any team. I don’t consider any particular match as a key one. All three matches are key matches for us in the group stage" Thomas Dennerby, India coach, said.

Iran defeated Bangladesh, then emerged from a thrilling penalty shootout against Jordan to reach the pinnacle of the Asian women’s game for the very first time.

The team is expected to camp in Belgium, according to head of the country's football federation, Shahabeddin Azizi Khadem. He said, "The women’s football team will travel to Belgium to hold a training camp in the European country. Our team will also play two friendly matches with Charleroi football club in their training".