March 7, 2026

Iranian female footballers called 'traitors' at home for refusing to sing the anthem. They could face the death penalty, warn human rights activists

On Iranian state television, the Iranian women's national football team was called 'traitors' for refusing to sing the anthem. The Guardian writes about this. Host Mohammad Reza Shahbazi called the actions of the women's football team 'the height of disgrace,' and the girls themselves 'traitors in wartime,' the publication writes. Human rights activists believe that the athletes face a treason case, for which the death penalty is provided. The Iranian women's national football team refused to sing the national anthem at the Asian Cup match during a meeting with the South Korean team on March 2. The captain and several players of the team smiled during the anthem but remained silent. Users on social media suggested that in this way, the girls expressed their protest against the current regime in Iran against the backdrop of the ongoing war. After the incident, pressure on the team intensified. And before the match with the Australian team, which also ended in Iran's defeat, the team already sang the anthem and gave a military salute, the publication notes. Human rights activist Cyrus Jones said that the girls are effectively under prison surveillance: 'These women are prisoners! Iranian guards are on duty on their hotel floor at night. They are forbidden to leave their rooms. They are watched during breakfast, when they get on the bus.' In Iran, the death penalty is provided for high treason, journalists and activists warn. Executive Director of the Refugee Council of Australia Paul Power stated that 'of course, based on the available data, the national team members will be in danger if they return home.' Australian Minister of Home Affairs Tony Burke, who is responsible for the humanitarian migration program, refused to comment on the situation. It is likely that the Iranian team will leave the competition on Sunday.