'Iran's women are heroes - they want to be free'

"Imagine the pressure. You want to compete at your best, but then before even the game starts you have to decide how you're going to stand, how you're going to look and what you're going to do. I just think that's so unfair. The players were confused about what to do. If they salute and sing the national anthem, they are embraced and endeared by the government. If they do that, the fans, the Iranian people hate them."

"Iran's players were silent for the anthem in their opening match against South Korea on 2 March. It came amid the wider context of escalating conflict following strikes by the United States and Israel on their homeland since 28 February. Iran has launched missiles and drones towards Israel and four Gulf Arab countries which host US military bases."

Iran's women's football team remained silent during the national anthem at the Asian Cup on March 2 against South Korea, amid escalating tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran since February 28. This occurred within a broader context of domestic turmoil, including an unprecedented security crackdown that killed at least 7,000 protesters in December and January. The team's silence contrasted with their participation in subsequent matches against Australia and the Philippines. Former Iran men's head coach Afshin Ghotbi highlighted the immense pressure athletes face, forced to navigate conflicting loyalties between government expectations and public opposition. Similar dilemmas confronted the men's team during the 2022 World Cup, where players risked government disapproval or public backlash regardless of their choice.

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