By Philomina Brando
Five members of Iran’s women’s national football team have reportedly left their team hotel in Australia and are now under police protection amid growing fears for their safety if they return home.
The players, who participated in the ongoing AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, reportedly sought help from local authorities after concerns emerged that they could face persecution in Iran following acts of perceived protest during the tournament.
According to a source cited by CNN Sports, the players are currently safe with police as calls intensify for the Australian government to prevent their forced return to Iran, which is currently embroiled in a widening conflict with the United States and Israel.
The controversy began before Iran’s opening match last Monday when members of the team stood silent during the national anthem of Iran. The gesture, though unexplained by the players, was widely interpreted by hardliners in the country as an act of defiance.
Sources said the players were later compelled to sing the anthem before their second match on Thursday and again ahead of their final group game on Sunday, where they also performed a military salute before suffering a 2–0 defeat to Philippines.
Following the match on Sunday on Australia’s Gold Coast, supporters reportedly surrounded the team bus and shouted at police to “save our girls” as the vehicle left the stadium.
A human rights advocate and member of the Iranian community in Australia, Hadi Karimi, said some supporters believed at least three players inside the bus were seen making the international hand signal for help.
However, a source close to the team expressed doubt about whether the players were aware of the meaning of the gesture.
Karimi later confirmed that five players had since left the team hotel and were with police, describing the development as “amazing news” and expressing hope that more teammates would follow.
Authorities in Queensland and officials from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs have yet to publicly comment on the situation.
The issue has also drawn international attention, including from Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s former shah, who urged the Australian government to guarantee the players’ safety.
“As a result of their brave act of civil disobedience in refusing to sing the current regime’s national anthem, they face dire consequences should they return to Iran,” he wrote in a post on X, calling for protection and support for the athletes.
The Iranian women’s team participated in the tournament during a week of escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the conflict involving the United States and Israel expanding into neighbouring regions, disrupting travel routes and raising security concerns.
Former Australian international and human rights advocate Craig Foster criticised restrictions placed on the players during their stay, saying several organisations had been denied access to them.
“No athlete group should ever be effectively held hostage by their own federation and denied access to external support networks,” Foster said.
He added that since the team had been eliminated from the competition, the Asian Football Confederation now had responsibility for ensuring the welfare of the players.
Similarly, Beau Busch, President of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, said the players’ union had not been able to establish contact with members of the team.
“That is incredibly concerning. Our responsibility right now is to do everything within our power to try and make sure that they’re safe,” he said.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong declined to comment directly on whether government officials had contacted the players.
“We stand in solidarity with the men and women of Iran and particularly Iranian women and girls,” Wong said during an interview with the national broadcaster.
At a post-match press conference, Iran’s head coach Marziyeh Jafari insisted the team wanted to return home.
“Personally, I would like to return to my country as soon as possible and be with my compatriots and family,” she said.
Members of the Iranian community in Australia have continued to gather outside the players’ hotel, urging authorities to separate the athletes from officials linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and allow them to speak freely with independent support groups.
Police are yet to confirm whether the five players will seek asylum or remain in Australia under protective arrangements.