Iran's Women's Football Team could be in trouble

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An Iranian women’s football team is playing in Australia as part of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Before their first match against South Korea on Monday, March 2, the team stood silent while their national anthem was played. This was seen by Islamic authorities as a silent protest and the players were roundly condemned as traitors, the action seen as ‘the height of shamelessness and betrayal.’ In contrast, before their second match against the Australian team on Thursday, they saluted and sang loudly. The girls could face severe punishments when they return to Iran. Corruption and treason can lead to long prison sentences or the death penalty. Defecting isn’t an option for most because their families would be threatened and punished if the girls fail to return home. It’s little wonder the team hasn’t won a game yet. The photo shows a water-lily, the national flower of Iran.