Iran Women’s Football Team Faces Threats After Asian Cup Protest
The Iranian women’s national football team is facing severe repercussions after displaying subtle protests during matches at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. The team’s actions, perceived as defiance against the Islamic regime, have led to accusations of treason from Iranian state television, raising concerns for their safety upon their return home.
Silent Anthem and Salute Spark Backlash
During their opening match against South Korea on Monday, Iranian players stood silently as their national anthem played, a gesture widely interpreted as a protest against the government. In their subsequent game against Australia, which the Matildas won 4-0, the team opted to salute during the anthem, with some players also singing. These actions prompted a harsh response from Mohammad Reza Shahbazi, an Iranian state TV presenter.
“Traitors Must Be Dealt With Severely”
According to translations from the social media platform X, Shahbazi stated, “Let me just say one thing: traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely.” He further added, “Anyone who takes a step against the country under war conditions must be dealt with more severely.” Shahbazi specifically criticized the team’s silent protest and the resulting media coverage, calling it “the pinnacle of dishonour and lack of patriotism” and advocating for the players to be treated as “wartime traitors.”
Fear for Players’ Safety and Calls for Asylum
The threat from Iranian state television is particularly alarming given that treason carries the potential for the death penalty in Iran. Alireza Mohebbi, an Australian-based Iran International TV correspondent, believes the players were compelled to sing the anthem and perform the salute under duress from the Iranian regime and its security detail.
Ali Bornaei, an independent Iranian journalist, has appealed to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong to provide immediate asylum and protection for the players, warning that they face arbitrary detention and execution if forced to return to Iran. He emphasized that even a silent protest is considered a capital offense under the current regime.
Protests Outside Stadium
Outside the Gold Coast stadium during the match against Australia, protesters voiced support for the recent strikes against Iran and celebrated the reported death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Ongoing Concerns
The Iranian team has one remaining match in the Asian Cup, against the Philippines. The situation highlights the immense pressure faced by Iranian athletes and the risks they take when expressing dissent against the government.