Gold Coast, Australia. Global players’ union FIFPRO said it has serious concerns about the welfare of Iran’s women’s soccer team as they prepare to return home from the Asian Cup in Australia. The concerns follow reports that the players were labelled “wartime traitors” after refusing to sing their national anthem before a match.
Incidents at the Australian-hosted tournament
Iran’s campaign in the tournament began last weekend as the United States 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 at the match waved the pre-1979 Iranian flag, booed the national anthem and chanted “Save our girls!” amid concerns for the players’ safety after they did not sing the anthem. Supporters also tried to prevent the team coach from leaving after the match.
Petition and calls for government action
More than 66,000 people have 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”.
FIFPRO says it cannot contact players
Beau Busch, FIFPRO president for Asia and Oceania, said the union has been unable to contact the players to discuss whether they would like to seek asylum in Australia.
“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 dialled up in February, January,” Busch told reporters.
“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.”
Coordination with football bodies and authorities
Busch said FIFPRO was working with FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation and the Australian government to ensure that “every bit of pressure is applied” to protect the players and give them “agency around what happens next”.
“It’s a really challenging situation,” he said.
What steps do you think authorities should take to ensure the players’ safety?
