After their participation at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, five players of the Iran Women’s National Football Team are staying in Australia in a safe location. They chose to not sing the national anthem of Iran before playing South Korea’s women’s football national team in their first match.
This decision was met with immediate criticism in Iran. Commentators have accused players of betraying Iran during an tense period in the country’s politics. Outside Iran, supporters feared that the athletes would be punished if they went home.
A Protest before a Match Raises Safety Concerns
It all started when Iranian players chose to remain silent before the first match in the tournament during the playing of their national anthem. Many observers interpreted the silence as a form of protest.
The scene changed in later matches. The players saluted and sang the national anthem during games played against the Australian women’s football team as well as the Philippines national women’s football team. Critics believe that officials of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who traveled with the team, may have forced this change.
Dramatic moments at Team Hotel
Other members of the delegaiton hurried through the lobby shortly afterward looking worried. The atmosphere in the hotel was tense, according to witnesses.
Relatives of one athlete claim that police moved a number of athletes later to a safer location. According to reports, the women could consider requesting asylum.
The Support of Fans and Actors
The final game was attended by hundreds of fans. Several members of Australia’s Iranian Community held banners encouraging players to remain safe.
Some supporters displayed the Lion and Sun Flag, Iran’s flag before the revolution of 1979.
A player on the sidelines receiving medical treatment blew a kiss to the crowd in a brief moment. This brought cheers.
Human rights activists say that the athletes might find it difficult to talk openly about their circumstances. Some still have family in Iran. Many still have families in Iran.
The International Response to the Situation
This issue is gaining global attention. Donald Trump called on Australia to give asylum to these players. Later, he said that he spoke with Anthony Albanese regarding the situation.
The Australian government has yet to confirm whether it will offer asylum. Officials say that they are in support of Iranian women, and denounce repression.
The future of those players who remain is uncertain. Others may seek refuge abroad, while some others might return to their home countries.
