Iran's women's teams have become the recent victims of power-hungry men. Due to the ongoing situation around Iran, the USA and Israel have impacted their Asian cup journey in Australia, from declining to sing the anthem to singing it and saluting.
The anthem was drowned out by hundreds of Iranian-Australians booing,s with fans unfurling the pre-revolution lion and sun flag which they had smuggled into the stadium. Interaction between fans and players was limited, though one injured player blew a kiss to the crowd.
For an act of resistance of mourning to an act of suppression.
While most of the Western world has backed the players' decision not to sing the anthem, it has faced criticism in Iran. Presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi said: “For you to go there and not sing the national anthem, this is the pinnacle of dishonour and lack of patriotism.
Both the people and the officials should treat these individuals as wartime traitors. The stigma of dishonour and betrayal must remain on their foreheads, and separately they must be dealt with properly.”
Are you a traitor for speaking out against war and the suffering of your people to mourn those your government has killed?
In the Western world, this would be called a brave act of activism and standing up for others and their own human rights.
As a result of growing safety concerns, the players were moved from their hotels. Supporters and activists raised fears for the players' safety should they return to Iran, with some players reportedly unable to walk around the hotel unaccompanied and escorted to a conference room to eat meals.
An Australian police officer was inside the team hotel and made efforts to create “the maximum amount of opportunities” for players to seek help.
Since it has been made clear that, after they were knocked out of the competition, returning home would be unsafe, players have been given support to seek asylum in Australia; seven players have accepted this offer. However, others could return due to threats and concerns for family and children's safety.
Dozens of activists have attempted to persuade the players to stay, to the point of lying on the ground to block the team bus as players watched. Supporters chanted “let them go” and “save our girls” as the team bus departed. Some supporters said they saw players making the international hand signal for help.
Humanitarian visas have been given out to players. Immigration Minister Tony Burke said the women “were moved to a safe location” and that the visa approvals were completed.
Burke said: “They want to be clear they are not political activists. They are athletes who want to be safe.” The Australian Government extended the same offer to the remaining squad members.
Players' union FIFPRO said it was “really concerned” and had been unable to contact the team.
Former Australia captain Craig Foster said: “What’s most important is that that offer is made.”
Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi said the players faced an “ongoing threat”.
Brisbane Roar FC have opened their doors and offers those seeking asylum a place to train, play and belong and that they will begin to explore how to make that happen.
Six players and a staff member attached to the touring football squad have defected. Though leaving the fate of their teammates in the hands of the regime in Tehran after their flight left Australia on Tuesday night. It remains unclear what repercussions there may be for the players’ families in Iran.
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