The global footballers’ union FIFPRO has urged FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation to ensure the safety of Iran’s women’s national football team after a state television presenter labelled the players “wartime traitors”.
The warning followed Iran’s opening match at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, where players remained silent during the national anthem before a three-nil defeat to South Korea on Monday.
In widely circulated footage, Iranian state broadcaster Mohammad Reza Shahbazi criticised the team and said those who act against the country during wartime should be dealt with more severely.
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FIFPRO says the remarks have raised concerns about the players’ safety if they return to Iran and has called on football authorities, the Iranian Football Association and the Australian government to take steps to protect the team during the tournament.
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