The Iranian women’s national soccer team risks severe punishment, including the death penalty for treason, following a protest against the regime during the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
Protest in Opening Match
During their debut game against South Korea on Monday, the players refused to sing the national anthem or perform a military salute. The team suffered a 3-0 defeat. In subsequent matches, they complied: losing 4-0 to hosts Australia on Thursday and 2-0 to the Philippines on Sunday, before exiting the tournament.
State TV Issues Harsh Warning
Iranian state television labeled the players as traitors. Presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi delivered a stern message: “In times of war, traitors must be dealt with more harshly.” He added, “Anyone who takes even a single step against the country during wartime must face stronger consequences.”
Safety Concerns Upon Return
As the squad prepares to return home, fears mount for their well-being. Refugee Council chief executive Paul Power noted, “Certainly on the evidence that’s available, it would appear that the members of the women’s soccer team are at risk if they’re returned.”
Journalist Ali Bornaei alerted Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong on X: “The lives of the Iranian Women’s National Football Team are in imminent danger. After their peaceful protest in Australia, Iranian state-linked media has officially labelled them ‘wartime traitors’. In Iran, ‘treason’ is a capital offence punishable by death. These athletes face arbitrary detention and execution if forced to return.”
Calls for Asylum in Australia
Australia’s shadow attorney general, Julian Leeser, called on the government to offer sanctuary. “On International Women’s Day we must stand up for the women in our midst,” he said. “We know that in recent days serious threats have been made against the courageous Iranian women’s soccer team who are playing in Australia. Given the serious threats, members of the Iranian team should be offered asylum if they want it. The Australian government should not turn a blind eye to the danger these women face.”
Several Iranian community organizations and civil society groups have urged Australian authorities to protect the team from potential harm upon repatriation.
