he Iran women’s football team were praised as heroes after they chose not to sing Iran’s national anthem in their opening match against South Korea on 2 March.
Former Iran men’s head coach Afshin Ghotbi described the players’ courage, noting the pressure they faced amid escalating conflict following recent strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.
Weeks of anti-government protests in December and January had already seen at least 7,000 protesters killed in a severe crackdown, according to human rights organizations.
Ghotbi highlighted the difficult position for the athletes: “You want to compete at your best, but before the game, you have to decide how you’re going to stand, how you’re going to look, and what you’re going to do. It’s so unfair.”
He also referenced a similar dilemma faced by the Iran men’s team during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Players risked alienating the government if they refused to sing the anthem and upsetting fans if they did.
After their first match, the women sang and saluted during subsequent games against Australia and the Philippines, amid speculation that government officials accompanying the team influenced their actions.
Concerns for the players’ safety arose after state TV hosts labeled them “traitors” for not singing the anthem. Ghotbi said: “These women have become symbolic. They become heroes. Everyone around the world will be watching how they are treated, and I hope politicians let them live their lives.”
Five team members were granted humanitarian visas to stay in Australia, while the rest of the squad flew out safely.
Ghotbi added: “All people deserve freedom. These women want to be free and allowed to be who they want to be. We should allow them that.”
