Concerns Grow for Iranian Women's Soccer Team After Anthem Protest

Saeid Mollaei, an Iranian judoka and Olympic silver medalist, has expressed grave concerns for the safety of Iran's women's soccer team following their refusal to sing the national anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. Mollaei fears that the players may face imprisonment or worse upon their return home, as they have been labeled 'wartime traitors' by Iranian media. While seven team members initially sought asylum in Australia, five have since withdrawn their requests and are set to return to Iran. Mollaei, who himself defected in 2019, empathizes with their plight and calls for international support for the athletes fighting for freedom in Iran.

Key Details: • The women's soccer team declined to sing the national anthem on March 2, 2023. • Five out of seven team members have withdrawn their asylum requests and are returning to Iran. • Mollaei urges the Australian government to offer refuge to the players. • The Iranian Football Association plans to reunite the team in Kuala Lumpur before returning to Iran.