Iranian woman footballer banned from tournament by her husband

Iranian women's football player Niloufar Ardalan has reportedly been banned from attending an international tournament by her husband.

The 30-year-old, who is the captain of her national side, is believed to have been ordered by her partner, sports journalist Mehdi Toutounchi, to stay at home.

Islamic law states that a married women needs permission from her husband to get her passport renewed.

According to Fox News, Ardalan's partner wants her to miss the Asian Football Federation Women's Futsal Championship in order to stay at home for their seven-year-old son's first day at school.

"My husband didn't give me my passport so that I can [take part] in the games, and because of his opposition to my travel abroad, I [will] miss the matches." Ardalan told Nasimonline. "I wish authorities would create (a solution) that would allow female athletes to defend their rights in such situations."

The six-day tournament is due to begin on Monday.