Members of the Iran women’s national football team have been described as “heroes” after refusing to sing their country’s national anthem during a match at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, according to former coach Afshin Ghotbi.
Iran’s players stood silently during the anthem before their opening match against South Korea women’s national football team on 2 March. The moment came amid escalating tensions and conflict involving Iran following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets.
The situation has been further complicated by widespread anti-government protests in Iran, where human rights groups claim thousands of protesters were killed during a crackdown by security forces earlier this year.
Pressure on players during tournament
Ghotbi, who coached the Iran men’s national football team between 2009 and 2011, said the players were under immense pressure to decide how they should behave during the anthem.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he said the situation was unfair for athletes trying to focus on competition. According to him, players face criticism from both sides depending on their actions — support from the government if they sing the anthem, or backlash from fans who oppose the regime.
The Iranian players later sang and saluted the anthem before matches against Australia women’s national football team and Philippines women’s national football team, which sparked speculation that officials accompanying the delegation may have pressured them.
Safety concerns after elimination
Concerns about the team’s safety increased after a state television presenter reportedly labelled the players “traitors” following their refusal to sing the anthem in the opening match.
After Iran were eliminated from the tournament, some players sought protection abroad. Five members of the squad were granted humanitarian visas to remain in Australia, while the rest of the team left the country soon after.
Ghotbi said the players had become symbolic figures for many people seeking freedom in Iran.
“They want to be free and live their lives like everyone else,” he said, adding that athletes should not be caught in political conflicts.
Uncertainty over Iran’s World Cup participation
The political situation has also raised questions over Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Former coach Ghotbi said it would be disappointing if the team were prevented from playing after qualifying for the tournament for a fourth consecutive time.
He recalled a memorable friendly match between Iran and the United States at the Rose Bowl Stadium in 2000, where thousands of fans celebrated football as a symbol of peace.
According to him, moments like that demonstrate the unique power of sport to bring people together despite political differences.
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