Members of the Iranian women’s national football team could face severe consequences back home after losing a recent international football match, with growing fears that some players may be subjected to harsh punishment under the strict political climate in Iran.
The women’s team suffered a 2-0 defeat against the Philippines at the stadium on the Gold Coast on Sunday night, March 8.
The defeat ended their Women’s Asian Cup campaign, which was marked by controversy after they refused to sing the Iranian national anthem on Monday.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong declared Australia “stands in solidarity” with the Iranian women’s soccer team amid fears the women could be jailed or killed if they return to their country.
Thousands of Australians are urging the Albanese Government to act to protect the Lionesses players as they played their last game on the Gold Coast.
In a petition on Change.org, there are calls for urgent protection for the women who face an “impossible situation” – return to a war zone where they have been accused of being “traitors” or risk danger for their families at home if they stay.
“These concerns are immediate and serious. In their opening match, members of the team reportedly remained silent during the Iranian national anthem,’’ the petition states.
“Credible reporting has also raised concerns that regime-connected personnel are embedded with the delegation, that players are not allowed to move freely, and that their communications are restricted.”
The petition asks Australia to ensure that any player wishing to seek protection can do so safely, privately, and without interference from regime-associated officials or handlers.
“Australia is hosting this tournament. That carries not only logistical responsibilities, but moral ones,’’ the signatories warn.
“This is a moment for principled leadership. These players should not be let to go back into danger because they displayed conscience, dignity, or fear in public view.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong told the ABC’s Insiders she “stood in solidarity” with the men and women of Iran.
“It has been really moving for Australians to see them in Australia and the Matildas swapping jerseys with them was, I think, a very evocative moment. It spoke to solidarity and the way in which sport can bring us together,” she said.
“We know this regime has brutally murdered many of its own people. We know this regime has brutally oppressed many Iranian women and we stand in solidarity with the men and women of Iran, particularly Iranian women and girls.
“I don’t want to get into commentary about the Iranian women’s team.”
The team has already lost one national player, Zahra Azadpour, 27, who was gunned down by Islamic Republic forces in January while protesting in Karaj, in north central Iran.
Another, a 23-year-old female football referee Sabha Rashtian, was shot dead while protesting in Isfahan.
Iran International TV sports journalist Raha Pourbakhsh said the women were under duress from the regime while travelling in Australia.
“They have threatened them with their careers being ended and also jail time,” Pourbakhsh told The Sports Ambassador podcast.
“Their phones have been tapped, they forced the players into signing hefty bail agreements assuring the authorities they would not become refugees in Australia, they will not apply for asylum.
“They have also been told that they must sing along to the national anthem and also to show joy and happiness if they score a goal to show that everything is normal.”
Sources close to the team have told international media outlets that seeking asylum in Australia is not an option for most players, with because their families are under threat in Iran.
