Iran footballers ‘fear death penalty’ after being labelled ‘traitors’ | Football | Sport
Iran’s women’s football team are fearing the death penalty for treason after conducting protest against the country’s current regime.
The squad have been competing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. They staged their demonstration during their opening match against South Korea on Monday, when they refused to sing the national anthem and perform a military salute.
They suffered a 3-0 defeat in that fixture. They returned to action on Thursday when they fell to a 4-0 loss against hosts Australia, before exiting the tournament on Sunday with a 2-0 defeat against the Philippines.
The matches against Australia and the Philippines saw them sing the national anthem and perform the salute as usual. However, the earlier protest has led to Iranian state TV branding them as ‘traitors’.
Presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi said: “In times of war, traitors must be dealt with more harshly. Anyone who takes even a single step against the country during wartime must face stronger consequences.”
Their elimination from the tournament means that the squad are now due to return to Iran. However, concerns have now emerged for their safety following the protest.
Refugee Council chief executive Paul Power said: “Certainly on the evidence that’s available, it would appear that the members of the women’s soccer team are at risk if they’re returned.”
Journalist Ali Bornaei tagged Foreign Minister Penny Wong on X, writing: “The lives of the Iranian Women’s National Football Team are in imminent danger.
“After their peaceful protest in Australia, Iranian state-linked media has officially labelled them ‘wartime traitors’.
“In Iran, ‘treason’ is a capital offence punishable by death. These athletes face arbitrary detention and execution if forced to return.”
Australia’s Shadow Attorney General, Julian Leeser, has urged the Australian government to grant asylum to the team. “On International Women’s Day we must stand up for the women in our midst,” he said.
“We know that in recent days serious threats have been made against the courageous Iranian women’s soccer team who are playing in Australia. Given the serious threats, members of the Iranian team should be offered asylum if they want it.
“The Australian government should not turn a blind eye to the danger these women face.”
Multiple Iranian community organisations and civil society groups have also contacted the Australian government, expressing their grave concerns for the team’s safety should they be forced to return to Iran.
