Iran women’s football players seek protection in Australia

Five members of Iran’s women’s national football team left their hotel during a tournament in Australia and are currently under police protection, according to a source who spoke to CNN Sports. The players were taking part in the Women’s Asian Cup, and their situation has raised concerns about their safety should they return to Iran.

Tensions surrounding the team increased after the players remained silent during the Iranian national anthem before their first match last Monday. Although they did not explain their actions, some officials in Iran described it as an act of treason.

Before their second match on Thursday, the players sang the anthem. Ahead of Sunday’s match against the Philippines, they did so again and gave a military salute.

After the final match of the tournament, witnesses said fans gathered around the team bus and called on the police to ‘save our girls’. Some members of the team also appeared to gesture for help.

The case has also drawn reactions from the Iranian diaspora. Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed Iranian shah, called on the Australian government to guarantee the players’ safety. According to him, they could face serious consequences if they return to Iran.

US President Donald Trump also said on Monday that Australia ‘would be making a terrible humanitarian mistake’ by allowing the Iranian women’s national football team to be sent back to Iran and called on the Australian prime minister to grant asylum to the players.

The world football federation FIFA said it is monitoring the situation and is in contact with the Asian Football Confederation and the Australian authorities.

(max)