The 21st edition of the AFC Women's Asian Cup, hosted by Australia in 2026, continues, but recently, during Iran's match against South Korea, the entire Iranian women's team remained silent when the national anthem was played and were even caught smiling on camera, sparking a wave of accusations of 'treason'!
This move drew harsh criticism from a presenter on Iranian national television, who labeled the players as 'traitors' and called on authorities to impose severe punishment. Foreign media further reported that, for related charges, the maximum penalty could be the death sentence. News of this has attracted significant international attention, with many fans expressing support for the Iranian women's team.
According to reports, shortly after the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei in a US-Israeli joint strike, Iranian national TV host Mohammad Reza accused the Iranian female footballers of not singing the national anthem and smiling during their match against South Korea, describing them as 'like traitors,' and further stating, 'traitors in time of war must be punished even more severely.'
Comprehensive reports indicate that, after the accusations of 'treason' sparked public outcry, the Iranian women's team suddenly sang the national anthem in unison and performed a military salute during their following match against the Philippines. However, some observers questioned whether this was a 'forced act,' even saying the players appeared to be 'hostages.' There is widespread concern that once the players return to Iran, they could face imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Comprehensive reports indicate that, after the accusations of 'treason' sparked public outcry, the Iranian women's team suddenly sang the national anthem in unison and performed a military salute during their following match against the Philippines. However, some observers questioned whether this was a 'forced act,' even saying the players appeared to be 'hostages.' There is widespread concern that once the players return to Iran, they could face imprisonment or even the death penalty.
After the team was ultimately eliminated and was preparing to leave the stadium, fans saw Iranian female players appearing to make distress signals from inside their bus. Out of concern, around 200 fans gathered around the team bus, chanting 'save our girls' and 'let them go.' The scene became chaotic, police had to intervene to maintain order, and the bus was delayed for nearly 20 minutes before it could depart.
In response, Iran's women's team head coach Marziyeh stated that the team 'hopes to return to Iran as soon as possible,' and said the players are deeply worried about their families still in the country.
Currently, the situation in Iran has drawn international concern. Former Australian national team captain Craig Foster has called on FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation to fulfill their responsibilities in protecting player safety.