It is illegal for women to attend football matches in Iran, an offence that has a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment.

It was one of a number of strict Islamic laws first imposed after the Iranian revolution, and Khodayari's suicidal protest has sparked a renewed international campaign to have the ban overturned.

Khodayari was called 'Blue Girl' by the global media after the colour's of Esteghlal and was arrested after attempting to attend the club's Asian Champions League match against Al Ain dressed in a wig and coat as a disguise.

FIFA released a statement extending their condolences to Khodayari's family.

"FIFA convey our condolences to the family and friends of Sahar and reiterate our calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure the freedom and safety of any women engaged in this legitimate fight to end the stadium ban for women in Iran."

Amnesty International, alongside several notable footballers, also called for the laws to be scrapped.

It seems unlikely at this stage that Iranian football will face any international consequences for the law. The AFC currently permit Iran to enter four clubs into the 2020 tournament, and the Iranian national team set to face Cambodia at home in a World Cup qualifier on October 11.

"Her only 'crime' was being a woman in a country where women face discrimination that is entrenched in law and plays out in the most horrific ways imaginable in every area of their lives, even sports," said the organisation's Middle East and North Africa Research and Advocacy director Philip Luther.

"To our knowledge, Iran is the only country in the world that stops and punishes women seeking to enter football stadiums.

"Her death must not be in vain. It must spur change in Iran if further tragedies are to be avoided in the future."