An Iranian state television presenter has threatened the women’s national team for not singing the national anthem during the opening game of the AFC Cup.
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Published March 6, 2026
FIFPRO, the world’s leading organization for professional football players, has called on the governing body in charge of the 2026 Women’s Asian Football Confederation Cup to protect the Iranian national team after it was labeled “wartime traitors” by an Iranian state television presenter.
Both world football governing bodies FIFA and AFC have been asked to “take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Iranian women’s national team players”.
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Players of Iran’s women’s national soccer team did not sing the national anthem before their Asian Cup opener against South Korea in Australia earlier this week.
Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting host Mohammad Reza Shahbazi said in a video that the players showed a lack of patriotism and that their actions amounted to “the height of disgrace” in footage widely circulated on social media.
“Let me say one thing: wartime traitors should be treated more harshly,” Shabaji said.
“Anyone who is against our country in times of war must be treated more harshly. Just like with this issue of our women’s soccer team not playing the national anthem, these people must be treated more harshly.”
In a statement published on social media platform X, FIFPRO issued a strong and lengthy statement outlining its concerns.
“FIFPRO Asia/Oceania is deeply concerned about the dangerous situation the players will face if they return to Iran after the tournament, as well as reports that Iranian state television publicly attacked team members who remained silent during the national anthem before the opening match,” the statement said.
“Videos circulating online show state TV presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi calling for people to face the ‘stigma of dishonor and betrayal.’
“These statements significantly raise concerns about the safety of athletes should they return to Iran after the tournament.
“FIFPRO Asia/Oceania has once again written to the AFC and FIFA, calling on them to comply with their human rights obligations under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and FIFA’s Human Rights Policy and protect players.
“We call on the AFC and FIFA to urgently work with the Iranian Football Association, the Australian Government and all other relevant authorities to make every effort to ensure the safety of our players.”
Iranian players stood silently when the Iranian national anthem was played before a 3-0 loss to South Korea on the Gold Coast on Monday, but sang and saluted before a 4-0 loss to hosts Australia three days later.
Reuters has contacted the Asian Football Confederation, the Iranian Football Federation and the Asian Cup teams for comment.
Ahead of the match against Australia, Iranian forward Salah Didar fought back tears as she spoke about the war, but coach Marzieh Jafari said the players were doing their best to focus on the tournament despite worries for their families back home.
Iran will play the Philippines in their final group match on Sunday.
