Safety fears grow for Iran Women’s Team
Safety concerns grow for Iran Women’s Team after Asian Cup exit
Concerns have been raised about the safety of the Iran women’s national football team after their elimination from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
The issue began when the Iranian players stood in silence during their national anthem before their opening match against South Korea. The gesture drew criticism from some voices in Iran, with one conservative commentator reportedly accusing the team of being “wartime traitors”.
The players later sang and saluted the anthem in their following matches against the Australia women’s national football team and the Philippines, a shift that some observers believe may have come under pressure.
Former Australia captain Craig Foster said the players must be guaranteed protection.
“We all have very reasonable and serious concerns for their safety,” Foster said.
After Iran’s final match on the Gold Coast, hundreds of supporters gathered outside the stadium, chanting “save our girls” as the team bus left the venue.
Iran head coach Marziyeh Jafari said the team simply hopes to return home soon.
“We are impatiently waiting to return. Personally, I would like to return to my country as soon as possible and be with my compatriots and family.”
