By Micah Jonah,March 14, 2026
Head coach Marziyeh Jafari said remarks made by a state television presenter created a difficult atmosphere for players of the Iran women’s national football team during their campaign at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
According to Jafari, the comments had a psychological impact on the squad and contributed to some players seeking asylum while the team was in Australia for the competition. The tournament coincided with rising tensions in Iran following US and Israeli air strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.
Before their opening match against South Korea women’s national football team, the Iranian players stood in silence during the national anthem. The action drew criticism from Mohammad Reza Shahbazi of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, who reportedly described the team as “wartime traitors.”
Jafari said the remarks worsened the already tense atmosphere surrounding the team and affected their performance. She urged the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran to address the issue, arguing that the psychological pressure placed on the players had serious consequences.
Authorities in Australia granted humanitarian visas to several Iranian players who requested asylum during the tournament. However, Jafari said most members of the squad rejected the offers, planned to return home after the competition.
The situation has highlighted how political tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict have spilled into international sports, affecting athletes competing abroad.
