Reza Pahlavi urges Australia to protect Iran women’s team after anthem row | OneFootball

Reza Pahlavi has urged the Australian government to safeguard Iran’s women’s national team, citing fears the players could face reprisals.

The team faced South Korea on 2 March, when they refused to sing the national anthem. They later hummed it before a 0-4 loss to Australia on 5 March and Sunday’s 0-2 defeat to the Philippines, which ended their group campaign at a tournament running from 1 to 21 March.

Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, much of Middle East airspace remains closed, leaving the squad uncertain over travel back to Tehran.

Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah and an opponent of the Tehran regime, appealed for the Australian government to provide any necessary support, and he has joined growing calls from human rights activists and political figures for Australia to grant the squad asylum.

Inside Iran the anthem protest drew fierce condemnation. Influential state TV presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi called it the height of dishonour and said so-called wartime traitors should be treated severely.

FIFPro has expressed concern, with Asia and Oceania chair Beau Busch saying the union is working with FIFA, the Asian confederation and the Australian government on solutions that guarantee the team’s safety.

Source: L'Équipe