FIFA, AFC urged to protect Iran women footballers after ‘traitors’ threat

Iran state TV presenter has threatened women’s national team for not singing anthem at opening AFC Cup match.Published On 6 Mar 2026The global representative organisation for professional footballers, FIFPRO, has urged governing bodies responsible for the 2026 Women’s Asian Football Confederation Cup to protect the Iran national team after they were labelled “wartime traitors” by an Iranian state ‌television presenter.Both FIFA, world football’s governing body, and the AFC have been called upon to “undertake all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Iran’s Women’s National Team players”.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Real Madrid will ‘keep fighting’ for title as Vigo trip looms – all to knowlist 2 of 4India edge all-time classic against England to reach T20 World Cup finallist 3 of 4Allen ton sends New Zealand to T20 World Cup final as South Africa crumblelist 4 of 4Formula One teams on edge as new regulations face first test in Australiaend of listThe Iran women’s national football team players did not sing their national anthem before their Asian Cup opener against South Korea in Australia earlier ⁠this week.Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi said in a video that the players showed a lack of patriotism and their actions amounted to the “pinnacle of dishonour” in footage circulating widely on social media.“Let me ⁠just say one thing: traitors during wartime ⁠must be dealt with more severely,” Shahbazi said.“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.”In a statement released on the social media platform X, FIFPRO released a strong and lengthy statement outlining its concerns.“In addition to the dangerous situation the players would face if they return to Iran following the tournament, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania is deeply concerned by reports that Iranian state television has publicly attacked the members of the team for remaining silent during the national anthem before their opening match,” the statement read.