Players' union raises alarm over safety of Iran women's soccer team after Asian Cup exit

SYDNEY, March 9 : Global players' union FIFPRO said on Monday there were serious concerns for the welfare of the Iranian women's soccer team, as they prepared to return home after being labelled "wartime traitors" for refusing to sing their national anthem before an Asian Cup match. 

The Iranians' campaign in the Australian-hosted tournament started last weekend just as the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, killing the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The team was eliminated on Sunday after losing 2-0 to the Philippines. Fans waved the pre-1979 Iranian flag, booed the national anthem and tried to prevent the team coach from leaving afterwards, chanting "Save our girls!" amid concerns for their safety after their anthem silence.

More than 66,000 people have also signed a petition calling on the Australian government to ensure the players, who are on the Gold Coast in Queensland, do not leave "while credible fears for their safety remain".

Beau Busch, FIFPRO president for Asia and Oceania, said the union had been unable to contact the players to discuss whether they would like to seek asylum in Australia.

"The reality at the moment is that we're unable to get in touch with the players. That's incredibly concerning. That's not a new thing. That's really been since the repression really dialled up in February, January," Busch told reporters.

"So we're really concerned about the players, but our responsibility right now is to do everything within our power to try and make sure that they're safe."

Busch said the organisation was working with FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation and the Australian government to ensure that "every bit of pressure is applied" to protect the players and give them "agency