Filmmaker Kely Nascimento-DeLuca ("Warriors of a Beautiful Game")  wrote a powerful op-ed in support of her friend Maryam Shojaei, the 41 million Iranian women who have been excluded as spectators to men's football matches for 40 years - and for ALL women to enjoy access to sport as means to claim power and gender equality in society.

"You see, there is very little in this world more unifying and empowering than the shared experience of a team sport, whether you’re a player or a spectator. With soccer being the sport most played around the world, a sport which inspires a love many liken to religion, what better way is there to divide and weaken a nation than to ensure that half its population is prohibited from participating?

Around the world, weakening the position of women and taking away their social power in a society in order to gain control over the general population is a time-tested tactic. This is no different."

Please read and share Kely's op-ed and the #NoBan4Women petition to remind FIFA that we expect complete and permanent access to stadiums for all matches. On twitter, tag @casakely @MaryamShoja @EQLeague. #NoBan4Women #GenderEquality

We have more over 300,500 signatures and are aiming to reach 500,000 with your help.

Thank you!