The Int'l Volleyball Federation (FIVB) said that "misunderstandings" in Iran were to blame for female spectators "being denied entry to a Beach Volleyball World Tour event," according to the AP. Allowing women to attend the five-day competition at Kish Island "had been a condition" of the FIVB for the Iranian volleyball federation to host the men's event. Female fans "are traditionally barred from attending male-only sports matches in Iran." FIVB spokesperson Richard Baker said that "there were some misunderstandings with regard to security" during play Tuesday. He said women "could then watch games from a cafe overlooking the main court." Baker: "There have been misunderstandings throughout the day, and we have had to seek clarification." He added that the Iranian federation "has the best intentions but there are cultural issues." Human Rights Watch Dir of Global Initiatives Minky Worden said that the decision by Iranian authorities was "far more serious than a 'slight misunderstanding.'" Worden: "Brave Iranian women who took the FIVB at its word were turned away at the turnstiles this week. That is a black eye for the sport of volleyball, and a setback for women's rights in Iran" (AP, 2/16).
