Iran’s women’s football team says they feel like prisoners in Australia, but what awaits them back home if they return is far worse

Iran’s women’s soccer team is stuck in Australia as fears grow about their safety if they return home. The situation started with a quiet act before their first match and has since turned into a serious international concern.

Before their opening game against South Korea last Monday, some players chose not to sing the national anthem. This was seen as a silent protest or a sign of mourning, given the ongoing war in Iran. Iranian state television reportedly responded by calling the players “traitors.”

After losing their final group match against the Philippines, with goals in the 29th and 82nd minutes, the team is now out of the tournament. According to the Independent, the loss brought the question of their return home to the front and center, as activists and members of the Iranian diaspora in Australia raised serious concerns about what could happen to the players if they go back.

The players are scared, and the world is starting to pay attention

Support for the team grew after their final match, with activists gathering outside the stadium on the Gold Coast, chanting slogans and trying to reach the team bus. Human rights activist Hadi Karimi, based in Brisbane, was among them and said, “The world should stand with Iranians now. Australia, wake up now.”

Masoud Zoohori, who runs a Persian-language broadcasting service, said the players are “very worried” and “scared,” adding that they feel “like we’re in prison” because they are “constantly under control” and cannot get updates from their families back home.

Forward Sara Didar reportedly held back tears at a news conference last Wednesday, expressing concern for her family and all Iranians. This comes at a time when Iran’s World Cup hopes are already under serious threat, adding even more pressure on Iranian football at every level.

After the initial silent protest, the team did sing the national anthem during their later games, including matches against Australia and the Philippines. The Australian Iranian Council wrote to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, asking the government to protect the squad.

They also launched an online petition that collected over 50,000 signatures before Sunday’s game, demanding that no team member be made to leave Australia if their safety is at risk and calling for independent legal advice.

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran, posted on social media asking the Australian government to ensure the players’ safety. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong also addressed the matter, saying Australia stands in solidarity with the team and that “this regime has brutally oppressed many Iranian women.”

Separately, Iran faces a possible World Cup replacement that has drawn attention from the highest levels of the US government. Beau Busch, president of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, confirmed they are working with the Australian government to ensure player safety.

He noted that some players may want to return home, while others may seek asylum or an extended stay. The team’s coach, Marziyeh Jafari, said publicly, “We want to come back to Iran as soon as we can, and I want to be with my country and with all Iranians inside Iran,” showing that not everyone on the team may want to stay.