FEARS RAISED OVER SAFETY OF IRAN TEAM

Players' union, fans worried for the women dubbed 'wartime traitors' after Cup exit

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The Iran football team saluting ahead of their Women's Asian Cup match against the Philippines on March 8. When they sang the anthem and saluted before their match against Australia on March 5, it sparked fears among human rights campaigners that they had been coerced by government minders.

(AFP)

Global players' union Fifpro said on March 9 there were serious concerns for the welfare of the Iran women's football team, as they prepared to return home after being labelled "wartime traitors" for refusing to sing their national anthem before a Women's Asian Cup match.

The Iranians' campaign in the Australian-hosted tournament started on March 2 just as the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, killing the Islamic Republic's former Supreme Leader Ali Kha-menei.

The team were eliminated on March 8 after losing 2-0 to the Philippines.

US President Donald Trump said on March 9 that Australia was "making a terrible humanitarian mistake" by allowing the Iranian team to be sent back home and called on Australia's prime minister to give asylum to team members.