'Traitors' Defect: Five Iran Women’s Players Seek Refuge Amid Safety Fears - Report

Last Updated:March 09, 2026, 21:35 IST

Five members of the Iran women's football team defected during the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 in Australia.

Five members of the Iran women’s national football team have reportedly defected during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia and are currently being sheltered in a safe house operated by the Australian Federal Police.

According to The Athletic, the players left their team hotel on the Gold Coast on Monday evening local time with assistance from authorities. Their absence was later noticed when they failed to attend the team’s scheduled dinner.

The development comes amid rising fears for the safety of Iranian players following escalating geopolitical tensions and threats directed at the squad.

Team’s Return Home Raises Alarm

Concerns have intensified over the Iranian team’s planned return home after they were eliminated from the tournament on Sunday following a group-stage defeat to the Philippines women’s national football team.

However, attention has shifted away from the results on the pitch to the safety of the players once they return to Iran.

The global footballers’ union FIFPRO, along with human rights advocates, has urged the Government of Australia and tournament organisers to consider extending the team’s stay in the country until their safety can be guaranteed.

Anthem Protest Sparks Backlash

The controversy began when the Iranian team refused to sing the national anthem before their opening Asian Cup match against the South Korea women’s national football team on March 2 — a gesture widely interpreted as a protest against authorities in Iran.

The move prompted a backlash from Iranian state media, with presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi describing the players as “wartime traitors" and suggesting such actions should be punished more severely.

The team later sang the anthem and performed a military salute before their subsequent matches against Australia women’s national soccer team and the Philippines.

Escalating Conflict Adds to Tensions

The squad had travelled to Australia shortly before a dramatic escalation in the Middle East conflict.

A joint operation by the United States and Israel reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28, triggering retaliatory strikes and heightened regional instability.

The geopolitical turmoil, combined with the anthem protest, has heightened fears about potential repercussions for the players if they return home.

Global Players’ Union Raises Welfare Concerns

Beau Busch, the Asia and Oceania president of FIFPRO, said the organisation has been unable to establish contact with the players.

“The reality at the moment is that we’re unable to get in touch with the players. That’s incredibly concerning," 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 added that FIFPRO is working alongside FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Australian authorities to ensure pressure is applied to protect the athletes and give them control over what happens next.

News sports football 'Traitors' Defect: Five Iran Women’s Players Seek Refuge Amid Safety Fears - Report

Read More