FIFA, AFC urged to protect Iran women footballers after 'traitors' threat

FIFA, AFC Urged to Protect Iran Women Footballers

The global representative organization for professional footballers, FIFPRO, has urged governing bodies responsible for the 2026 Women’s Asian Football Confederation Cup to protect the Iran national team after they were labeled 'wartime traitors' by an Iranian state television presenter. Both FIFA and the AFC have been called upon to ensure the safety of Iran’s Women’s National Team players. Iran’s women’s national football team players did not sing their national anthem before their Asian Cup opener against South Korea in Australia earlier this week. Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi has publicly criticized the players, calling their actions 'the pinnacle of dishonour' and 'traitors during wartime.' FIFPRO has released a statement expressing strong concerns for the players’ safety if they return to Iran after the tournament. The players stood in silence during the national anthem but sang and saluted before their subsequent matches. Iran faces the Philippines in their final group match. The matter has drawn attention from global organizations and calls for protection and human rights obligations.