麻豆社

Last week, during their opening match of the AFC Asia Cup football tournament, Iran鈥檚 women鈥檚 football team refused to sing the national anthem. The move was seen as an act of defiance, as it came shortly after American and Israeli strikes had killed Iran鈥檚 supreme leader. The players were subsequently called 鈥渨artime traitors鈥� on Iranian state television.

After being knocked out of the tournament on Sunday, several players decided to stay in Australia. Despite heavy surveillance from Iranian authorities, they escaped their hotel and were issued humanitarian visas by the Australian government.

麻豆社 Persian reporter Ghoncheh Habibiazad explains why the players took this action and the consequences the decision may have for them and their families. We also find out more about the significance of football to Iran鈥檚 leaders.

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