Iran’s women’s national football team displayed markedly different behavior during national anthem ceremonies at the Asian Cup in Australia, sparking allegations of political coercion. During their opening match against South Korea on Monday, players remained silent during the anthem, but reversed course dramatically in their subsequent game against hosts Australia by singing along while performing military salutes.
The abrupt change occurred against the backdrop of escalating military conflict, with US and Israeli airstrikes hitting Iranian territory in recent days. Alireza Mohebbi, an Australia-based correspondent for Iran International TV, stated unequivocally to BBC’s partner ABC News that the players were under direct instruction from regime officials. “It’s completely obvious that the Islamic Republic’s regime, and the security team which is with the players in Australia, forced them to sing and do the military salute,” Mohebbi asserted.
Team striker Sara Didar emotionally addressed the psychological toll on players, speaking about being separated from loved ones during the crisis. Head coach Marziyeh Jafari acknowledged the difficult circumstances, stating “No-one likes what’s happening, no-one wants war,” while simultaneously insisting the team had “come here to play football.”
The political symbolism extended beyond the pitch as dozens of Iranian-Australians gathered outside the Gold Coast stadium waving Israeli, Australian, and pre-revolution Iranian flags. The team’s sporting prospects suffered simultaneously with a 4-0 defeat to Australia, leaving Iran needing victory against Philippines on Sunday to advance to the knockout stages.
This incident mirrors similar political pressure experienced by Iran’s men’s team during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where players initially remained silent during the anthem before singing in subsequent matches amid widespread domestic protests following Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody.