Members of Iran’s women’s national football team are facing fierce backlash after refusing to sing the country’s national anthem before a major international match — a protest that has now triggered threats from a prominent Iranian state television presenter.

The controversy erupted during Iran’s opening match of the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, where players stood silently while the Iranian national anthem played before their game against South Korea.

Iran went on to lose that match 3–0.

The silent gesture quickly drew attention online and inside Iran, where it was interpreted by some commentators as a political protest.

Among the harshest reactions came from Iranian state television presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi, who publicly condemned the team in a video that circulated widely on social media.

Shahbazi accused the players of betraying their country during a time of war.

“Let me just say one thing: traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely,” he said in the video.

“Anyone who takes a step against the country under war conditions must be dealt with more severely.”

He specifically referenced the team’s decision not to sing the anthem.

“Like this matter of our women’s football team not singing the national anthem… these people must be dealt with more severely,” Shahbazi said.

The controversy is unfolding during an extremely tense moment for Iran.

The country is currently in the midst of escalating conflict following air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, last weekend.

The conflict has heightened tensions both inside the country and among Iranians abroad.

After the anthem protest during the South Korea match, the Iranian team appeared to take a different approach in their next game.

Before their match against host nation Australia three days later — which Iran lost 4–0 — players sang the anthem and saluted the flag.

Still, concern for the players’ safety has grown following Shahbazi’s remarks.

The global football players’ union FIFPRO issued a statement urging international soccer authorities to take immediate steps to protect the team.

“These statements significantly heighten concerns for the players’ safety should they return to Iran after the tournament,” FIFPRO Asia/Oceania said.

The union called on the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA to intervene.

“We call on the AFC and FIFA to urgently engage with the Iranian Football Association, the Australian Government and all other relevant authorities to ensure that every effort is made to protect the safety of the players.”

For the athletes themselves, the situation is deeply personal.

Ahead of Iran’s match against Australia, forward Sara Didar appeared emotional during a press conference while discussing the war unfolding back home.

Fighting back tears, she acknowledged the difficult position the team now faces as they compete abroad while worrying about family members in Iran.

Head coach Marziyeh Jafari also addressed the tension surrounding the squad, saying the players are trying to stay focused on football despite the turmoil.

“Our players are doing their best,” Jafari said, emphasizing that many are deeply concerned about loved ones caught in the conflict.

Iran still has one final group-stage match remaining in the tournament.

The team is scheduled to face the Philippines on Sunday.