Iran Womens Footballers Face Threat Over Alleged Betrayal of Country

Iranian State TV Presenter Threatens Women’s National Team Over Anthem Silence

A video circulating on social media shows Mohammad Reza Shahbazi, a presenter from Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, criticizing the Iranian women’s national football team for not singing their national anthem before an Asian Cup match. The players stood in silence during the anthem at the Gold Coast ahead of their 3-0 loss to South Korea.

FIFPRO, the global representative organization for professional footballers, has issued a statement expressing concern over the situation. FIFPRO Asia/Oceania has written to the AFC and FIFA, calling on them to protect the players’ safety upon their return to Iran after the tournament.

The Iranian Football Association and the Australian Government have been contacted by Reuters regarding the incident. The team’s coach, Marziyeh Jafari, had previously spoken about the war and her players’ efforts to focus on the tournament despite concerns for their families back home.

FIFPRO has urged governing bodies to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of the Iranian women’s national team players. A statement from FIFPRO reads: “We call on the AFC and FIFA to urgently engage with the Iranian Football Association, the Australian Government and all other relevant authorities to ensure that every effort is made to protect the safety of the players.”

The Iranian women’s national football team will face the Philippines in their final group match on Sunday.

Source: Al Jazeera