"A number of the players had initially sought humanitarian visas to stay in Australia after concerns they would face repercussions for staying silent during Iran's national anthem at their opening Asian Cup match. Human rights activists have said they may have been pressured to reverse their decisions through threats against their families."
"Concerns grew about the team's safety after footage emerged of a host on state TV calling them "traitors" who ought to be punished for their silence during the anthem on 2 March, days after the US and Israel began their war against Iran. The players went on to sing the anthem at their next two matches before being eliminated."
Five members of Iran's national women's football team who sought Australian asylum have returned to Iran after withdrawing their visa applications. The players had initially pursued humanitarian visas following concerns about potential repercussions for remaining silent during Iran's national anthem at an Asian Cup match. Human rights activists suggest the players may have been pressured to reverse their decisions through threats against their families. The team crossed back into Iran from Turkey on Wednesday after flying through Malaysia and Oman. State media had previously labeled the players as "traitors" for their anthem silence, and they subsequently sang at subsequent matches, leading critics to believe government officials compelled them to do so.
Read at www.bbc.com
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