FIFPRO calls on FIFA, AFC to guarantee safety of Iran women's national team

"We've been asking [the Australian government] to work on the players having agency. It's a really challenging situation. There may be players who want to return. There may be some players within the group who would like to seek asylum, or would like to stay in Australia for longer. There may be some who are incredibly concerned about the potential journey home."

"Following Sunday's 2-0 defeat to the Philippines, Iran's team bus was delayed from departing Gold Coast Stadium by a crowd of protesters -- many aligned with the movement to install Reza Pahlavi, the son of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi who was toppled by the Islamic Revolution of 1979, as the leader of Iran -- who chanted 'let them go' and banged on the side of the bus before being dispersed by authorities."

"Concern for the wellbeing of the players should they return to Iran has grown following their opening Women's Asian Cup game against South Korea, in which they made global headlines by not signing the national anthem of the Islamic Republic, in similar scenes to the men's side's silent protest at the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup in Qatar."

Iran's women's national team faces an uncertain future following their Women's Asian Cup campaign in Australia. After their 2-0 defeat to the Philippines, the team bus was delayed by protesters advocating for regime change in Iran. FIFPRO has called on FIFA, the AFC, and the Australian government to ensure players retain agency over their decisions, whether returning home, seeking asylum, or remaining in Australia. Concerns intensified after the team's initial refusal to sing the national anthem, mirroring the men's team's 2022 World Cup protest. Players face potential safety risks if they return to Iran.

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