What in the World Why some Iranian footballers have stayed in Australia
Mar 11, 2026
Ghoncheh Habibiazad, BBC Persian reporter covering Iran and its women's football team, explains why several players chose to remain in Australia after refusing to sing the national anthem. She explores the team's act of defiance, state accusations of treason, intense hotel surveillance and how humanitarian visas changed their options.
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Football Is A Political Tool In Iran
- Iran's national teams are treated as extensions of the state legitimacy and unity project.
- Ghoncheh Habibiazad explains the establishment views athletes as 'soldiers' who must display loyalty abroad, tying sports to political control.
Team Refused To Sing The Anthem
- The Iran women's team refused to sing the national anthem during their opening Asian Cup match.
- Ghoncheh notes the silence was civil disobedience occurring days after US and Israeli strikes that killed the supreme leader.
Mixed Signals From Iranian Authorities
- Iranian state media labelled the players 'wartime traitors' and called for punishment while officials publicly invited them to return.
- Ghoncheh highlights the mixed messaging: public welcome versus threats and unspecified legal risks if they go home.