A Silent Protest, A Hotel Escape And SOS Signals: A Timeline Of Iran Women Footballers’ Dramatic Bid For Freedom

Last Updated:March 10, 2026, 22:33 IST

After a silent anthem protest, Iranian women footballers sparked chaos at the Asian Cup -- flashing SOS signals from a bus before five players made a dramatic late-night escape.

What began with a silent protest has now quickly spiralled into a fight for freedom.

Members of Iran’s women’s national football team sought asylum in Australia after refusing to sing their national anthem at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

In the days that followed, the situation escalated to an alarming extent — with SOS signals from a team bus, protesters surrounding the squad, and eventually a late-night hotel escape.

The National Anthem Incident

The tension started before Iran’s opening match in the tournament.

Several players stood silently as the national anthem played — a moment that quickly drew attention amid growing turmoil in Iran following military strikes involving the United States and Israel.

Back home, state media reportedly branded the players “traitors", triggering fears among members of the squad about what might happen if they returned.

As the team bus left the stadium, some players appeared to flash the international SOS hand signal through the windows — a gesture widely used by people trying to indicate they are in danger.

Videos of the moment quickly spread online. And outside the bus, protesters gathered and chanted “Free our girls", urging the players not to return to Iran.

How The Hotel Escape Unfolded

Behind the scenes, several players had already begun speaking with Australian authorities about their safety.

Then came the decisive moment.

Late Monday night, five players quietly slipped out of the team hotel on the Gold Coast with assistance from Australian Federal Police.

Among them was captain Zahra Ghanbari.

The players were taken to a secure location and later granted visas allowing them to remain in Australia while seeking protection.

By the time Iranian officials realised they were gone, the footballers were already under police protection.

Not all players made the same choice, though.

Some reportedly wanted to seek asylum but feared repercussions for their families back in Iran. Others remained with the squad, preparing to return home.

SOS Signals From The Team Bus

Then, yet another alarming moment unfolded.

Upon arrival at the airport, some players appeared to flash the SOS signal through the windows yet again, in one last desperate cry for help.

But nothing could be done to aid those who were forced to board the plane, which eventually took off.

Now, we are left waiting — with cautious hope — to know the fate of those who made the journey back home.

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