Iran women’s footballers branded “traitors”: Must be punished serverly
The incident unfolded while the country faces growing military tensions, adding a dramatic political backdrop to the tournament.
Silent before kickoff
According to Digi24, Iran’s women’s national football team came under criticism at home after several players remained silent during the national anthem before their Asian Cup match against South Korea in Australia.
The game was played earlier last week on the Gold Coast and ended in a 3–0 defeat for Iran. However, the focus quickly shifted from the result to what happened before the match began.
As the Iranian anthem was played, the players stood quietly without singing. Images and videos of the moment circulated widely online and quickly sparked debate.
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The team is taking part in the continental tournament despite escalating tensions in Iran following military strikes and a deepening conflict in the region.
Harsh reaction
The players’ actions prompted a strong reaction from figures linked to Iran’s state media.
Iranian state television presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi criticised the team in a video that later spread on social media, according to Digi24.
He accused the players of disloyalty and described their behaviour as unacceptable during wartime.
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“I want to say just one thing: traitors in wartime must be punished more severely,” Shahbazi said.
“Anyone who takes action against their country during wartime must be punished more harshly. As in the case of our women’s football team that did not sing the national anthem... these individuals must be punished more severely.”
He also described the players’ actions as “the peak of dishonour,” according to Digi24’s report.
A change days later
Three days after the controversy, the Iranian team appeared to take a different approach during their next match in the tournament.
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Before facing host nation Australia, the players sang the national anthem and saluted.
That match ended with another defeat for Iran, as Australia won 4–0.
The change came amid growing attention surrounding the team’s earlier decision and concern about possible consequences once the players return home.
Sources: Digi24
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