The Saudi Arabian football association has for the first time indicated it is willing to allow women's football in the Islamic-run kingdom, notorious for its poor record on women's rights.
Eager to make international concessions in order to boost its flagging oil-based economy, the Saudi government has agreed in theory to enter a women's team into FIFA.
However, the strict provisions put in place by the Saudis are unlikely to be accepted by FIFA without further amendment. These include playing matches in the dark, compulsory virginity tests for players, and the presence of each player's father on the pitch at all times.
A leading Saudi cleric who had earlier called women footballers a "bunch of lesbians" yesterday retracted his statement after he suffered a serious altercation with a ladies' motorcycle gang.
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