Iranian Women’s Soccer Coach Blames TV Host for Players Seeking Australia Asylum

Iran's women's soccer coach says harsh criticism from a state TV presenter led several players to seek asylum in Australia during the Asian Cup. The controversy began after players stood silently during Iran's national anthem and were labeled "wartime traitors" on television.

The head coach of Iran’s women’s soccer team is pointing fingers at a state television host, claiming his on-air criticism pushed several of her players to seek refuge in Australia during the recent Asian Cup tournament.

Coach Marziyeh Jafari revealed Friday that harsh words from Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi created a toxic environment that mentally affected her squad. The controversy erupted after the team chose to remain silent during Iran’s national anthem before facing South Korea in their opening match.

Shahbazi branded the players as “wartime traitors” during his broadcast, a label that came as the tournament began amid military tensions involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In a now-deleted statement shared on Iran’s football federation’s Telegram account, Jafari explained: “Our girls were affected in the first match by the heavy atmosphere that had been created…”

“But the greater mistake was made by those who, at home, failed to understand that atmosphere and sounded the call to arms against the daughters of this land,” Jafari continued, directly addressing the broadcaster’s harsh words.

The coach emphasized the lasting impact of the controversy, stating: “What I have asked of the federation is to pursue the matter, because it affected our players psychologically, and we suffered the consequences. I am certain that if that atmosphere had not been created, not a single one of our players would have stayed in Australia.”

Australian authorities confirmed this week that five Iranian team members received humanitarian visas after requesting asylum during the tournament. Two additional players were granted protection on Wednesday, while one chose to return home to Iran.

Jafari described how Australian officials approached her players individually, saying: “Australian police called the players in several stages and sat down with them one-on-one to persuade them to stay, influenced by the political atmosphere that had arisen.”

The coach expressed relief that most of her team remained together, noting: “Fortunately, the majority of the team members responded negatively. Even Mohaddeseh Zolfi, who had responded positively, soon changed her mind and, God willing, will come to Iran with the team.”

Jafari also addressed speculation about other players, stating: “The rumours about Golnoosh Khosravi and Afsaneh Chatrenoor are also not true at all, and they are now with us in Malaysia and we will be leaving for Iran soon.”