Several members of Iran's women's football team have reportedly left the team's camp during the women's Asian Cup, after the competition moved to Australia and was under protection.
It has been understood that they have been moved to a secure location with the involvement of local authorities, following concerns about their safety and security if they return home.
This comes after earlier last week, the squad stood in silence during the national anthem after the country conducted airstrikes in its region before their opening match against South Korea. This moment was interpreted as an act of protest against the government's action or mourning those who died in those airstrikes.
But in their next game against Australia, the scenes during the anthem were starkly different. The players sang the anthem and saluted, prompting speculation that they had been coerced by external pressure from Iranian authorities.
Alireza Mohebbi, an Australia-based correspondent for Iran International TV, told the BBC’s partner ABC News there was “no doubt” the players were forced to sing.
“It’s completely obvious that the Islamic Republic’s regime, and the security team which is with the players in Australia, forced them to sing and do the military salute.”
Striker Sara Didar spoke emotionally about being separated from loved ones, highlighting the human cost of the situation.
Since the start of the tournament, the air strikes have killed an estimated 1,100 Iranian civilians.
Head coach Marziyeh Jafari said, “No one likes what’s happening, no one wants war.”
However, she added, “We have come here to play football.”
Their handling of the anthem mirrors that of Iran’s men’s team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, when players stood silent before the match against England and then sang before facing Wales.
Before Iran’s opening match, dozens of Iranian-Australians gathered outside Gold Coast Stadium, waving Israeli, Australian, and pre-revolution Iranian flags.
Inside the stadium, supporters unfurled the Lion and Sun flag, Iran’s national flag before the Iranian Revolution.
Ara Rasuli said, “It is our national flag. The current regime does not represent us, and therefore, their flag does not represent us.”
The symbol has recently been revived as a sign of opposition to the current regime.
Since they arrived at the competition, they have been tight-lipped and largely silent. No media interviews. No training session information. Press conference limited to only three “football” questions. This all points to the report of threats against players and staff who speak out against the current regime in the country.
Australia midfielder Amy Sayer praised Iran’s players: “It’s really brave of them to be able to be here and to perform.”
Whilst war rages in their homeland, the team also face restrictions placed on female athletes in Iran, who need permission from a male guardian to travel.
These five players include the captain Zahra Ghanbari, who was branded a “traitor” in Tehran. With Australia and FIFA in communication to postpone their return home after being knocked out. The other players include Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Sarbali. Atefeh Razmazanzadeh and Mona Hamoudi.
An online petition has also amassed over 50k signatures, urging Australian authorities to “ensure that no member of Iran’s women’s national football team is to depart Australia while credible fears for their safety remain” and also to provide independent legal advice, support and interpreters.
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