Iran's women's national football team staged a silent protest before their AFC Women's Asia Cup match against South Korea in Australia, days after US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the reported killing of the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The players stood in line for the national anthem before the match, as per protocol. However, none of the Iranian players or support staff sang the anthem. They remained silent but stood in respect. The gesture drew attention amid rising tensions and casualties following the recent military strikes.
Iran went on to lose the match 3-0. Despite the result, the team's pre-match silence became a major talking point.
Silent gesture before kick-off
The protest took place ahead of Iran's group-stage fixture in Australia, where all participating teams have assembled for the continental tournament.
When asked about the incident, head coach Marzieh Jafari declined to comment on the protest. She said the focus should remain on football and the team's performance.
Observers noted that while the team remained silent, they did not disrupt the anthem ceremony. The act appeared to be a symbolic expression rather than a formal statement.
Mixed reactions on and off the field
In the stands, reactions were varied. Some supporters displayed posters linked to Iran's pre-Islamic era. Others remained silent throughout the proceedings.
The backdrop to the protest is the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The recent strikes and the reported death of Khamenei have triggered mixed reactions within Iran. While some mourned the leader's death, others reportedly expressed relief or celebration.
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Internal divisions in Iran have existed for years, with sections of the population both supporting and opposing the former leadership. The latest military developments appear to have intensified those differences.
The Iranian football federation has not issued an official statement regarding the team’s silence before the match.
