Fear, uncertainty surround Iran women’s football team’s return home

Players body and activists say the team must be protected while head coach insists the players are eager to return.Published On 9 Mar 2026Concerns and uncertainty have grown over the return home of the Iranian women’s football team from Australia during the Israeli-United States war and alleged threats to their safety.Iran were knocked out of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 on Sunday when they lost their last group game against the Philippines in Gold Coast, Australia.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Missile strikes, no flights: Middle East conflict disrupts global sportlist 2 of 3Messi censured for meeting and applauding Trump amid US attacks on Iranlist 3 of 3No pain, only glory as India thrash New Zealand for third T20 World Cupend of listHowever, it’s not the team’s on-field performance but their journey home that has caused a stir as the global footballers union and rights activists are urging the Australian government and tournament organisers to extend the players’ stay in the host nation.FIFPRO, which represents professional footballers globally, said on Monday that there were serious concerns for the welfare of the Iranians as they prepared to return home after being labelled “wartime traitors” for refusing to sing their national anthem before an Asian Cup match.Beau Busch, FIFPRO’s president for Asia and Oceania, said the union had been unable to contact the players to discuss whether they would like to seek asylum in Australia.“The reality at the moment is that we’re unable to get in touch with the players. That’s incredibly concerning. That’s not a new thing. That’s really been since the repression really dialled up in February, January,” Busch told reporters in Australia.“So we’re really concerned about the players, but our responsibility right now is to do everything within our power to try and make sure that they’re safe.”Busch said the organisation was working with FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Australian government to ensure that “every bit of pressure is applied” to protect the players and give them “agency around what happens next”.