Australia urged to protect Iranian women's soccer team after anthem protest

Australia is facing mounting calls to protect members of Iran's national women's soccer team after the squad declined to sing the national anthem during their opening match of the women's Asian Cup tournament.

The 26-member team remained silent during the national anthem before their first game against South Korea last week, a gesture interpreted by observers as a form of dissent against the Iranian government. The silence prompted criticism from Iranian state media, with a commentator on state television calling the players "traitors in time of war" and calling for harsh punishment.

The team was eliminated from the tournament after playing their final match on Sunday night. Hundreds of supporters surrounded the Iranian team's coach as it left the stadium on the Gold Coast on Sunday evening, chanting "save our girls" and "let them go."

Members of the Iranian diaspora, sports officials and Australian politicians have expressed concern that the players' safety could be at risk when they return to Iran. The exact timing of their departure from Australia was not immediately clear.

In their subsequent matches against Australia and the Philippines during the tournament, the players sang the national anthem before the start of play.

Craig Foster, a former captain of the Australian men's football team and prominent human rights advocate, stated that there are "very reasonable and serious concerns for their safety."

Football's governing bodies and Australian authorities are being urged to ensure the safety of the team as they prepare to depart Australia.