After their Asian Cup run ended on Sunday in Australia, the Iran team bus was surrounded by hundreds of protesters chanting “save our girls.” Players onboard were seen making SOS gestures and photographing those outside. The bus returned to the team hotel on the Gold Coast, and on Monday there were widespread reports that five players had escaped the hotel.
Zaki Haidari, on the scene for Amnesty International, said moments before reports of the escape that “our understanding is that the players are currently staying in a hotel under heavy monitoring.” He added that their communications appeared to be restricted, making it very difficult for human rights organisations, lawyers and journalists to contact them.
FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, the players’ union for the region, also reported being unable to reach the Iranian players. Its president, Beau Busch, described the lack of contact as “incredibly concerning.”
Concerns surged after the squad faced criticism for not singing the national anthem in their opening match against South Korea last week. They did sing and salute in their final two group games, a change many observers attributed to pressure from the Iranian authorities.
Scenes of public support in Australia raised hopes that players, coaches and staff might be able to remain in the country rather than return to Iran. But with the team largely unable to speak publicly, it remains unclear what they individually or collectively want.
After the match, Iran team manager Marziyeh Jafari said: “we are impatiently waiting to return. Personally I would like to return to my country as soon as possible and be with my compatriots and family.” Human rights groups warned this statement could have been made under duress.
Those who are perceived to oppose Iran’s supreme leader—or his son Mojtaba—face the possibility of severe reprisals, and women are considered particularly vulnerable, rights advocates say. “We are deeply concerned for their safety if they return to Iran,” Haidari said, noting that the players have been labelled “wartime traitors” on national television. In Iran, such public accusations can expose people to serious punishment.
The 2020 execution of wrestler Navid Afkari, convicted in a case many view as politically motivated, is cited as a stark warning. Rights groups also say several athletes were reportedly killed during protests earlier this year.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled former crown prince who has supporters among Iranians abroad, posted on X that the players “face dire consequences should they return to Iran” because of their act of civil disobedience in not singing the regime’s anthem.
There is no simple answer on whether the squad can stay in Australia. Amnesty International is calling on the Australian government to ensure the players have an opportunity to seek asylum if they wish, noting that Australia is a signatory to the UN 1951 Refugee Convention and has an obligation to protect people who fear persecution.
The Australian government has voiced support for Iranians without committing to a specific course of action. Foreign Minister Penny Wong told the ABC: “We stand in solidarity with the men and women of Iran, and particularly Iranian women and girls. Obviously this is a regime that has brutally cracked down on its people.” The opposition’s shadow attorney general, Julian Leeser, urged the government to offer asylum to any players who want it and “not turn a blind eye to the danger these women face.”
Beau Busch said Australia, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation should “ensure that every bit of pressure is applied” to protect the players’ human rights. But with players’ positions and, in some cases, whereabouts unclear, the situation is complex.
“It’s important to remember the enormous pressure the players are under,” Haidari said. “Their country is at war, they are worried about their families, and they are facing pressure from Iranian authorities because of their peaceful protest. Despite this, they have shown remarkable courage and have received strong support from the Australian community.”
The Asian Cup continues without Iran, but the fate of the eliminated team has become the tournament’s most urgent story.
Edited by: Chuck Penfold