Iranian State TV Labels Women’s Football Team Wartime Traitors For Not Singing National Anthem

An Iranian state television presenter has called the women’s national football team “wartime traitors” after the players stood silently during the national anthem before their Asian Cup match against South Korea.

Mohammad Reza Shahbazi, a presenter for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, said the players must face severe consequences for refusing to sing the anthem. His comments appeared in a video that spread rapidly across social media.

“Let me just say one thing: traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely. Anyone who takes a step against the country under war conditions must be dealt with more severely. Like this matter of our women’s football team not singing the national anthem, these people must be dealt with more severely,” Shahbazi said.

Naija News gathered that the players remained silent when the anthem played before their 3-0 loss to South Korea on Monday. They sang and saluted three days later, only to lose 4-0 to Australia.

According to recent developments, Iran is playing in the tournament while war intensifies at home. US and Israeli forces launched airstrikes over the weekend that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a conflict that has entered its 8th day.

Players Union Calls For Player Protection

The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO), the global players’ union, urged the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA to protect the Iranian team after Shahbazi’s threats.

“These statements significantly heighten concerns for the players’ safety should they return to Iran after the tournament,” FIFPRO Asia/Oceania said.

The union called on AFC, FIFA, the Iranian Football Association and the Australian government to take urgent action to safeguard the players.

Meanwhile, Iranian forward Sara Didar cried when discussing the war before the Australia match. Coach Marziyeh Jafari said her players struggle to concentrate on football while worrying about their families.