Australian officials urged as Iran women's squad fears death penalty

23 articles | Updated 4d ago | Created Mar 08

Brisbane, Iran AUSTRALIA

Advocates are urgently calling on Australia to meet with the Iranian Women's Football Team in Gold Coast, where players staged a silent "SOS" hand signal during their Asian Cup campaign. The squad has been attacked by Iran state media and reportedly fears facing execution for treason after refusing to sing or salute at Monday night against South Korea due to ongoing war conditions back home.

Key Points

1

Five members of the Iranian women's soccer team sought asylum in Australia after refusing to sing their national anthem during a protest against government crackdowns.
2

The players are currently safe with police protection while facing potential death penalties or dire consequences if they return home due to ongoing war and political persecution.
3

Australian authorities, civil society groups, and sports organizations have urged the Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to grant asylum immediately given credible safety fears.

Developments

2026-13 Mar Five Iranian women's soccer players reportedly applied for asylum in Australia and are currently safe with police protection after fleeing their team due to fear of death penalties or dire consequences upon return.

Mar 9, 20:15 GMT+8 'Last week', the Iranian women's football squad refused to sing its national anthem before a game at Australia during which they were eliminated from their tournament group stage. This act of silence was described as solidarity with thousands killed in deadly crackdowns.

Mar 9, GMT+8 'Last week', the Iranian women's football squad refused to sing its national anthem before a game at Australia during which they were eliminated from their tournament group stage. This act of silence was described as solidarity with thousands killed in deadly crackdowns.

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Five Iranian women's soccer players have been granted Australian visas and are currently safe after refusing to sing their national anthem in protest of government crackdowns that could result in death penalties for those who return home as "war traitors." While some team members sang the anthem at subsequent matches, fears remain high regarding both these athletes' families if they stay abroad.