An Iranian state television host has branded the women’s national soccer team “war traitors” after the players failed to sing their national anthem ahead of their Asian Cup match against South Korea in Australia.
Iran is playing in the continental tournament even as the military conflict at home escalates after the US and Israel launched airstrikes at the weekend that killed the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
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Their players stood silent when Iran’s national anthem was played before their 3-0 loss to South Korea on Monday, although they sang and saluted before their 4-0 defeat by hosts Australia three days later.
Mohammad Reza Shahbazi, a broadcaster for the Islamic Republic of Iran, said in a video that the players had shown a lack of patriotism and their actions amounted to “the height of shame” in the footage, which has been widely circulated on social media.
“Let me say one thing: traitors during war must be dealt with more severely,” Shahbazi said.
Iran’s women’s national football team refused to sing the Regime’s anthem. Tonight. At the opening match of the Asian Cup. In front of the whole world. pic.twitter.com/VV8j3KFFtV— IRAN WATCH (@ab_ad68690) March 4, 2026
“Anyone who takes a step against the country under wartime conditions must be dealt with more severely. Like when our women’s football team does not sing the national anthem… these people need to be dealt with more severely.”
Reuters has contacted the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Iran Football Federation and the Asian Cup team for comment.
SOUND ALARM FIFPRO
Following Shahbazi’s comments, players’ union FIFPRO called on the AFC and FIFA to uphold their human rights commitments and take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the Iranian team.
“These statements significantly raise concerns about the safety of the players should they return to Iran after the tournament,” FIFPRO Asia/Oceania said.
“We call on the AFC and FIFA to urgently engage with the Iran Football Association, the Australian Government and all other relevant authorities to ensure that every effort is made to protect the safety of the players.”
Iran striker Sara Didar fought back tears to talk about the war before the game against Australia, while coach Marziyeh Jafari said her players were doing their best to focus on the tournament despite concerns for their families back home.
Iran will face the Philippines in their final group match on Sunday.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
06 March 2026 23:52 IST
