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Members of the Iranian women’s national football team stood in silence during their national anthem. They took this stance before their opening match against South Korea at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Queensland on March 2.
The team later sang the anthem before their second game against Australia.
Iranian Media Labels Players Traitors
Iranian state television presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi criticised the athletes sharply. He called their action the height of shamelessness and betrayal.
Shahbazi said, “This is no longer some symbolic protest or demonstration. In wartime conditions, going there and refusing to sing the national anthem is the height of shamelessness and betrayal.” He added that the disgrace should remain on their shoulders and they must be dealt with so others take warning.
State media also branded the players wartime traitors. This label sparked safety fears for the squad.
Players Seek Help and Escape
Captain Zahra Ghanbari and four teammates then contacted Australian authorities. Australian Federal Police and Queensland Police helped midfielder Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Sarbali, defender Atefeh Ramezanizadeh and Mona Hamoudi slip away from their minders at the Gold Coast hotel.
Officers moved the five women to a secure location in Brisbane.
Minister Grants Visas
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke met the group around 9pm on Monday. Burke signed their applications for temporary humanitarian visas that same night.
The visas provide a 12-month stay and a pathway to permanent residency.
Players Celebrate Decision
The five athletes broke into celebration as Burke processed the paperwork. They cried, “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!”
Burke later confirmed the action. He said, “I was able to tell five members of the Iranian women’s soccer team that they are welcome to stay in Australia, that they are safe here, and they should feel at home here.”
