Iran women's team players risk facing jail term over anthem protest

Players of Iran’s women’s national team risk imprisonment after refusing to sing the national anthem ahead of their match against South Korea in the Asia Cup hosted in Australia.

The incident has been interpreted as a protest against the current Islamic regime amid ongoing unrest in the country.

Reports indicate that the act angered some Iranians, with government officials branding the players “traitors.”

Iran International TV sports journalist Raha Pourbakhsh revealed that the women were pressured by regime officials while traveling in Australia.

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He disclosed that both players and officials were warned not to seek asylum after the tournament, or they might face jail upon return.

Pourbakhsh further revealed that the team’s devices, including phones, had been tapped, and players were compelled to sign bonds of commitment.

“They have threatened them with their careers being ended and also jail time. Their phones have been tapped, they forced the players into signing hefty bail agreements assuring the authorities they would not become refugees in Australia, they will not apply for asylum,” Pourbakhsh told The Sports Ambassador podcast.

He added that the players were mandated to sing the national anthem and show joy when scoring goals to portray normalcy.

“They have also been told that they must sing along to the national anthem and show joy and happiness if they score a goal to prove that everything is normal,” he said.

After refusing to sing the national anthem, the players may face imprisonment for violating the agreement.

Insiders say that neither the players nor the officials plan to seek asylum in Australia or any other country, due to worries about their families’ safety back home.

SB/JE

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