Global players’ union FIFPRO said on Monday there were serious concerns for the welfare of the Iranian women’s soccer team, as they prepared to leave Australia and return home after being labelled “wartime traitors” for refusing to sing their national anthem before an Asian Cup match.
The Iranians’ campaign in the Australian-hosted tournament started last weekend just as the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, killing the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The team was eliminated on Sunday after losing 2-0 to the Philippines.
Fans waved the pre-1979 Iranian flag, booed the national anthem and tried to prevent the team coach from leaving afterwards, chanting “Save our girls!” amid concerns for their safety after their anthem silence.
More than 66,000 people have also signed a petition calling on the Australian government to ensure the players, who are on the Gold Coast in Queensland, do not leave “while credible fears for their safety remain”.
Beau Busch, FIFPRO president for Asia and Oceania, said the union had been unable to contact the players to discuss whether they would like to seek asylum in Australia.
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