FIFPRO urges AFC to protect Iran women’s team after anthem backlash

FIFPRO has called on the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to protect Iran’s women’s national team after players were branded “traitors” by state media following their decision not to sing the national anthem before an AFC Women’s Asian Cup match.The global players’ union said the criticism directed at the squad could place players at risk and urged the AFC to take steps to ensure their safety during the tournament in Australia.The incident occurred before Iran’s opening match at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, when several members of the national team remained silent during the anthem ceremony. Footage circulated widely on social media and prompted a sharp reaction from Iranian state television.State broadcaster IRIB subsequently described the players’ actions as a betrayal during what it called a time of national hardship, with commentary suggesting the silence amounted to support for the country’s adversaries.FIFPRO said the language used in the broadcast could expose the players to intimidation or retaliation and called for stronger safeguards from the regional governing body: “Players should never face threats or intimidation for peaceful expression. The safety and well being of Iran’s women’s national team must be protected.”The organisation added that governing bodies had a responsibility to ensure athletes could participate in international competitions without fear of political or personal repercussions.Craig Foster, a former captain of the Australian men's football team and prominent human rights advocate, commented: "We all have very reasonable and serious concerns for their safety. When any team participates in a Fifa-regulated tournament, whether Asian Football Confederation or any other confederation, they must have the right to safety and external support to express any concerns they have around their safety now or in future."The episode reflects the continuing tension surrounding Iranian athletes’ conduct during national anthem ceremonies, an issue that has drawn global attention since the country’s domestic protests in recent years.For the AFC, the situation presents a sensitive governance challenge during one of the confederation’s flagship tournaments.The Women’s Asian Cup serves as Asia’s premier international women’s competition and forms part of the qualification pathway for global events including the FIFA Women’s World Cup.Iran’s participation in the tournament has been closely watched as the national programme attempts to develop its presence in international women’s football while navigating political scrutiny at home.The team qualified for the competition through the AFC’s regional qualifying process and arrived in Australia seeking to build momentum for the women’s game in Iran, where participation has grown despite social and regulatory constraints.FIFPRO said it remains in contact with stakeholders to monitor the situation and reiterated that players’ fundamental rights must be respected within international sport. “Football must be a space where players are safe and able to represent their teams without fear.”