Iranian women were on Thursday allowed to watch their national football team in action, the first time in 40 years that this has happened.

While Iran thrashed Cambodia 14-0 in the game, the match will be remembered more for the presence of women in the stands than for Karim Ansarifard's four-goal haul.

The development comes after Iran agreed to a FIFA request to have women allowed to attend football games in the country.

The ban has been in place since 1979.

FIFA's call came following the death of a female football fan who set herself on fire after being denied entry into a stadium.

Dubbed "Blue Girl" online for her favorite team Esteghlal's colors, Sahar Khodayari had dressed as a man in order to gain access to a football stadium to watch a match when she was arrested.

On Thursday, the women in attendance chanted "Blue Girl, Blue Girl" in her honor.

Government spokesman Ali Rabiei said he viewed the presence of women at the stadium as a positive step, according to the official IRNA news agency.

"The government has a positive view of the presence of women in stadiums," Rabiei said.

"The infrastructure of Azadi stadium is ready for the presence of women. But the cultural and mental infrastructure must be ready." he added

Ahead of the game against Cambodia, FIFA officials visited Iran to assess the country's preparations for the clash.

The body later said that the visit had shown "no noteworthy operational obstacles.”

FIFA also said it would work with Iranian football authorities to pave the way for women to attend domestic league games as well.