Top league Esteghlal defender Ramin Rezaeian has been summoned by the Iranian Football Federation's Ethics Committee after being embraced by a female fan in Yazd, state media reported on December 27.

Iran has maintained strict Islamic social laws since its 1979 revolution, including mandatory hijab for women and segregation of genders in many public spaces. These rules are enforced by morality police and various state institutions, with punishments ranging from fines to imprisonment.

The incident occurred when a female supporter approached the team bus and hugged Rezaeian, 34, who was seated inside.

Video of the interaction circulated widely on social media on December 26, prompting the Ethics Committee investigation, according to the Tasnim news agency.

The case highlights ongoing tensions around gender interactions in Iranian football, where women were banned from attending matches for over 40 years following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The Ethics Committee previously sanctioned Esteghlal captain Hossein Hosseini last season for embracing a female pitch invader while attempting to prevent security forces from confronting her.

Hosseini received a suspended one-match ban and a fine of IRR3bn

Rezaeian, who has earned over 60 caps for Iran's national team and played professionally in Qatar and Belgium, will be required to appear before the committee to explain the incident.

The Federation has not yet announced potential sanctions or a date for the hearing.