"The reality at the moment is that we're unable to get in touch with the players. That's incredibly concerning. That's not a new thing. That's really been since the repression really dialed up in February, January... So we're really concerned about the players, but our responsibility right now is to do everything within our power to try and make sure that they're safe."
"Iranian state media quickly condemned the team, with one presenter on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting calling their action the pinnacle of dishonor, adding: Traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely."
"Demonstrators gathered outside the stadium, waving pre-1979 Iranian flags and chanting Save our girls! while briefly blocking the team bus as police intervened. Inside the bus, the players reportedly motioned the word help in sign language."
Iran's women's football team has become the center of a political controversy after standing silently during the national anthem at their opening match of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia. The gesture occurred days after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iranian state media condemned the players as traitors, with concerns that government pressure forced them to sing the anthem in subsequent matches. The team's tournament ended with a 2-0 loss to the Philippines. FIFPRO reports inability to contact the squad, raising serious welfare concerns. Demonstrators outside the stadium held signs reading "Save our girls" while players reportedly signaled for help through the bus windows.
#iran-womens-football #political-repression #athlete-safety #national-anthem-protest #afc-womens-asian-cup
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