Iranian media label women's team 'wartime traitors', Iranian authorities may persecute players, FIFPRO warns

FIFPRO has publicly raised urgent safety concerns for Iran’s women’s national soccer team after some players remained silent during Iran’s national anthem before an Asian Cup match.

“FIFPRO Expresses Concern for Iranian Women's Soccer Team Safety Amid Anthem Protest Global players' union FIFPRO raised serious concerns for the safety of the Iranian women's soccer team, following their silent protest during the national anthem at the Asian Cup”

Devdiscourse

The union says it has been unable to contact the squad.

Devdiscourse

Reports note the incident occurred in Australia and the team lost 2-0 to the Philippines.

FIFPRO called for pressure to ensure the players’ safety while their intentions remain unclear.

Public demonstrations in Australia grew strongly in support of the players, with thousands of fans in the stadiums waving the pre-1979 Iranian flag, booing the anthem and chanting in favour of protecting the team.

An online petition gathered more than 66,000 signatures urging Australian authorities to safeguard them or consider asylum.

Haaretz

Iranian media have sharply criticised the squad, with some outlets labelling players 'wartime traitors'.

“FIFPRO Raises Safety Concerns for Iranian Women’s Soccer Team After Asian Cup Exit FIFPRO expressed concern for the Iranian women’s soccer team, saying, “The reality at the moment is that we're unable to get in touch with the players”

Kurdistan 24

Those reports have raised fears that the players could face persecution if they return to Iran.

Human rights groups have warned that some players may have been coerced into later singing and saluting the anthem.

FIFPRO has been engaging with football and governmental bodies to protect the athletes.

It clarified that individual players may differ in their wishes, with some reportedly seeking asylum in Australia while others want to return.

Devdiscourse

The union says its priority is safeguarding athletes so they can make free decisions.

Australian officials have stressed that asylum and visa matters must follow established legal processes.

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Haaretz

They said such matters cannot be publicly discussed for privacy reasons.

Haaretz

Officials have also cited logistical complications related to regional conflict and airspace closures as affecting the players' travel.

International attention has focused on the intersection of sport, human rights and geopolitics.