The Iranian women’s national football team recently wrapped up their participation in the AFC Asian Cup in Australia and has since returned to their home country. One of the team’s standout players has made significant allegations regarding her experiences with local law enforcement during their stay.
The team arrived in Australia amidst intense political tension after attacks in Iran resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei. This backdrop of unrest placed the players under immense scrutiny and pressure.
During the tournament, the team chose to remain silent during their national anthem, an act that led to them being branded as ‘wartime traitors’ back home, and they faced the threat of severe repercussions.
While most of the squad eventually headed back to Iran, reports emerged of family members being threatened. However, two players decided to stay in Australia, where they are now training with the Brisbane Roar.
Upon their return, Iranian state media broadcasted images of the players being celebrated as heroes, with the women appearing on stage, holding bouquets of flowers as a symbol of their resilience.
Iranian midfielder Fatemeh Shaban alleges Australian police pressured teammates to stay
Majority of players returned to Iran after alleged threats against families, leaving only two teammates remaining in Australia
Iranian state media celebrated returning players as heroes, broadcasting footage of them welcomed on stage with flowers
Amidst these developments, midfielder Fatemeh Shaban made a startling revelation on state television. She claimed that Australian police exerted pressure on the players to remain in the country.
‘When they checked our passports, each of us went into a room with a police officer,’ she said, translated from Persian.
‘At first, when they took my hand and led me away, I was a bit scared, but I told myself it’s okay.
‘Then we sat down; we went through a few doors, entered a room, and I sat.
‘The security agent called someone on a phone, and I realised they wanted to ask us again: ‘If you go back, it’s like this [dangerous]… your country is at war, etc.
‘They were asking a bunch of very strange questions, hoping I might say, ‘No, I don’t know. I am not sure of returning.
‘They kept asking those same kinds of questions. He then asked me ‘Do you want to call your family? You can contact them right now to decide if you want to stay or not.’
‘As soon as he said that, I told the lady (the translator), ‘Tell him I don’t want to stay.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke denied any coercion, stating authorities did not pressure players into staying
Online reactions to footage were divided, with some calling it propaganda and others suggesting players may have been coerced
Shaban said she felt scared but insisted on returning home, rejecting opportunities offered to contact family before deciding
‘Anyone who wanted to stay has already stayed.
‘I didn’t even let him finish reading the rest of his questions; I just said: ‘I want to return to Iran.’
‘Right then, I got a bad feeling in my heart; I was a bit scared because I really wanted to go back to Iran – I wanted to go to my family, my homeland.’
Home affairs minister Tony Burke has previously denied any of the players were pressured by Australian police or government officials.
‘Australia’s objective here was not to force people to make a particular decision, we’re not that sort of nation,’ he said.
The footage sparked mixed reactions online, with some labelling it ‘propaganda’ and others suggesting the players were coerced.
Meanwhile, the two Iranian footballers who sought asylum in Australia have begun training with Brisbane Roar without hijabs, smiling as they joined the A-League Women’s club.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh are the only two of the seven asylum seekers to remain in Australia after their teammates reversed course and rejoined the squad.
Reports suggest captain Zahra Ghanbari returned after threats were allegedly made against her family in Iran, including concerns for her mother.
Brisbane Roar said it would support the pair, while the Australian government confirmed they had been moved to a safe location and were receiving assistance.
Football officials said they had not received direct complaints from players about returning home, despite widespread fears over possible retaliation.
