Calls for the Australian government to offer protection, including the possibility of asylum, have emerged for the Iranian women's national football team. These pleas follow fears that players and their families could face retribution from the Iranian regime. The team's act of remaining silent during their national anthem before a match against South Korea has been labelled "dishonour and betrayal" by an Iranian state television presenter, who suggested severe punishment for the players.
The players, currently competing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, initially did not sing their anthem before their opening match. This stance has led to accusations of being "wartime traitors" by Iranian state media. In contrast, for their subsequent match against Australia, the team was observed singing the anthem and saluting.
Concerns are mounting that the team, due to return home after their final group match against the Philippines on Sunday, could face harsh consequences. German-based Iranian journalist Ali Bornaei publicly tagged Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on X (formerly Twitter), urging the government to afford the team protection. Similar appeals have been directed towards FIFA and the AFC.
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The players' silent protest is seen by some as an apparent act against the Islamic Republic's regime, occurring shortly after military actions involving the United States and Israel against Iran.
The Iranian women's national football team is participating in the Women’s Asian Cup, with their matches taking place in Australia. Their fixture against the Matildas ended in a 4-0 defeat, and their final group game is scheduled for Sunday. The timing of their return to Iran coincides with heightened scrutiny and criticism directed at them.
