An Iranian female football fan has died after setting herself on fire outside a court when she learned she may have to serve a six-month jail sentence for trying to enter a football stadium.

Women in Iran are banned from football stadiums, though they are allowed at some other sports, such as volleyball.

The semiofficial Shafaghna news agency reported on Tuesday that 30-year old woman identified only as Sahar died at a Tehran hospital.

Sahar was known as "Blue Girl" on social media for the colours of her favourite team, Esteghlal.

She set herself on fire a week ago, reportedly after learning she may have to go to prison for trying to enter a stadium in February to watch an Esteghlal match.