An Iranian state television presenter has denounced the women’s national football team as “wartime traitors” following their refusal to sing the national anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
Mohammad Reza Shahbazi, who works for Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, accused the players of displaying a fundamental lack of patriotism after they remained silent during the anthem ahead of their opening fixture against South Korea on Monday.
“Let me just say one thing: traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely,” Shahbazi declared in footage that has spread rapidly across social media platforms.
He described their conduct as the “pinnacle of dishonour.”
Iran’s women’s national football team refused to sing their country’s anthem | GETTY
The squad finds itself competing in the continental tournament whilst a military conflict intensifies in their homeland.
American and Israeli forces conducted air strikes over the weekend, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Despite the turmoil, Iran suffered a 3-0 defeat to South Korea at the Gold Coast on Monday, followed by a 4-0 loss to the host nation Australia three days later.
Notably, the players altered their stance for the second match, choosing to sing and salute during the anthem before facing the Australians.
The team remains in Australia as the situation back home continues to deteriorate.
Smoke rises from a fire, as the Israel-Iran air war continues, in Tehran, Iran | REUTERS
The players’ union FIFPRO has sounded the alarm over the safety of the Iranian squad, urging both the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA to fulfil their human rights obligations.
“These statements significantly heighten concerns for the players’ safety should they return to Iran after the tournament,” FIFPRO Asia/Oceania stated.
The organisation has called upon football’s governing bodies to engage urgently with the Iranian Football Association, the Australian Government and all relevant authorities.
Their primary objective is ensuring comprehensive protection for every member of the squad.
Reuters has sought comment from the AFC, the Iran Football Federation and the team itself, though responses remain pending.
Footage circulating on social media captured the moment that the Iranian women’s team refused the national anthem
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REUTERSAhead of the Australia fixture, Iranian forward Sara Didar was visibly moved when discussing the conflict, struggling to hold back tears as she spoke about the war.
Coach Marziyeh Jafari acknowledged that her players were striving to maintain their focus on the tournament despite profound worry for their relatives at home.
The emotional toll on the squad has been evident throughout their campaign in Australia.
Iran’s final group stage encounter sees them face the Philippines on Sunday, with the players’ futures beyond the tournament remaining deeply uncertain given the volatile circumstances awaiting them.
![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://worldnewstoday.live/iranian-womens-football-team-branded-wartime-traitors-after-refusing-national-anthem/&media=https://worldnewstoday.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1772828240_iran-s-women-s-national-football-team.jpg&description=[ad_1] An Iranian state television presenter has denounced the women's national football team as "wartime traitors" following their refusal to sing the nat){kind=link}