Iran World Cup Threat: Women’s Defection Sparks Boycott?

Players from Iran’s women’s national football team sought asylum in Australia during the Women’s Asian Cup, with several members applying for sanctuary after facing scrutiny back home. Five players, including captain Zahra Ghanbari, left the team hotel to request asylum from Australian officials, the Australian Government announced.

Iran Women’s Team Asylum Claims

At least two additional team members applied to stay in Australia later Tuesday, according to local media reports. The players had been criticized by Iranian state television and labeled “wartime traitors” for not singing the national anthem before their opening match against South Korea.

The team subsequently saluted and sang the anthem in their following two group stage games. Iran was eliminated from the tournament after a defeat to the Philippines on Sunday.

The Iranian Football Federation blamed U.S. President Donald Trump for influencing the players’ decision, alleging he offered asylum. “The US President himself … tweeted two tweets about a women’s team [saying] ‘we welcome them and that they should become refugees’,” a federation official said. “He threatened Australia that ‘if you don’t grant them asylum, I will give them asylum in the US’.”

The official also claimed that five players had been “kidnapped” and that the team faced obstruction when attempting to leave Australia. They alleged Australian police intervened, removing players from the hotel. Further claims were made regarding an alleged airstrike in Minab, Iran, blaming Israel and the US.

Outside the stadium during the game against the Philippines, supporters gathered, drumming and chanting “regime change for Iran.” They surrounded the Iranian team bus, chanting “let them go” and “save our girls.” The official stated the squad encountered difficulties boarding their flight at the airport, with individuals blocking their path and urging them to seek refugee status.

Fifa World Cup Participation

Iran qualified for the World Cup after finishing atop their group in Asian qualifying. If Iran were to withdraw or be banned from the World Cup, Iraq could take their place in Group G. Iraq earned a spot in the Inter-confederation play-offs and will play the winner of Bolivia v Suriname on March 31 for a World Cup berth.

Alternatively, the United Arab Emirates could replace Iraq in the play-off tournament, with Iraq then moving into Group G. Fifa is currently monitoring the situation and has stated its focus is on ensuring a safe World Cup with all teams participating.

“We had the finals draw in Washington in which all teams participated, and our focus is on a safe World Cup with all the teams participating,” Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom said earlier this month. “We will continue to communicate as we always do with three [host] governments as we always do in any case. Everybody will be safe.”