Iran sets strict rules for World Cup public viewing

Iran has set up strict rules for public viewing of World Cup matches, saying for "cultural and social reasons" they cannot take place in parks or other public grounds, it was reported Wednesday.

Restaurants must receive a special permission to show matches live, needing to fulfil "certain criteria", police spokesman Mohsen Hamedani said in a report by the Iranian news agency ISNA.

The move is a change from the 2014 World Cup, where public viewing events were allowed.

The underlying issue is the mingling of young men and women at the events.

There have also been reports that families would be allowed to attend public viewing events in stadiums.

"It has not yet been resolved if women are allowed in stadiums," the spokesman said.    (dpa)