Why some Iranian footballers have stayed in Australia

为何一些伊朗足球运动员选择留在澳大利亚

What in the World

2026-03-11

10 分钟
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Last week, during their opening match of the AFC Asia Cup football tournament, Iran’s women’s football team refused to sing the national anthem. The move was seen as an act of defiance, as it came shortly after American and Israeli strikes had killed Iran’s supreme leader. The players were subsequently called “wartime traitors” on Iranian state television. After being knocked out of the tournament on Sunday, several players decided to stay in Australia. Despite heavy surveillance from Iranian authorities, they escaped their hotel and were issued humanitarian visas by the Australian government. BBC Persian reporter Ghoncheh Habibiazad explains why the players took this action and the consequences the decision may have for them and their families. We also find out more about the significance of football to Iran’s leaders. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde
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  • Those are protesters chanting, save our girls,

  • as the Iranian women's football team left their hotel in Australia's Gold Coast.

  • They were boarding a bus that would take them to the airport for a flight back to Iran.

  • It's been reported some of the protesters were trying to stop the players getting on the bus.

  • And it's moments like these that have captured the world's attention.

  • Because when Iran's women's football team refused to sing their national anthem in their opening match at the Asian Cup,

  • it was a life-changing decision and led to a lot of concern from across the world that they might face punishment

  • if they go back to Iran.

  • Not all of the players were on the bus.

  • Several had already escaped the hotel after their final match on Sunday and were given visas to stay in the country.

  • Among the players who were on the bus, some had their hands over their ears.