Iranian women's football captain barred from cup as husband won't renew passport

The captain of the Iranian women’s national football team will be unable to participate in an international football tournament because her husband will not renew her passport.

Niloufar Ardalan, known by fans as Lady Goal, was due to lead her team at the upcoming Asian Football Federation Women’s Futsal Championship.

She has now called for Iranian authorities to protect female athletes from laws that restrict their travel.

Under Iranian law she requires permission to renew her passport from her husband, sports journalist Mehdi Toutounchi .