The Iranian women's football team faces an uncertain future after their Women's Asian Cup campaign ended in chaotic scenes on the Gold Coast. Following a 2-0 defeat to the Philippines on Sunday, protesters blocked the team bus, banging on the sides and chanting 'let them go' for 15 minutes before police intervened. The demonstrators, numbering around 200, were pushed back by officers as the bus crawled away.
The unrest came after goals from Sara Eggesvik and Chandler McDaniel eliminated Iran, who finished fourth in Group A. Before the match, the Iranian players and coaches sang the national anthem with a military salute, the second time they did so in the tournament after failing to sing before their first game against South Korea. Iran's state television had labelled them 'traitors' for not singing, calling the team 'the pinnacle of dishonour'.
Coach Marziyeh Jafari expressed a desire to return home: 'We want to come back to Iran as soon as we can. I want to be with my country and home Iranians inside Iran. We are eager to come back.' However, fears remain that the regime could arrest players upon their return, given the ongoing conflict.
Former Socceroos captain Craig Foster has urged FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation to protect the players' safety. Meanwhile, 12 Iranian community organisations and civil society groups have written to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, expressing 'grave concerns' for the team. It is unclear what assistance Australia can offer, as Foreign Minister Penny Wong declined to comment on whether the government had contacted the footballers.
