Iran’s women’s national team made their feelings clear with a gesture before their first match since the Middle East conflict escalated earlier this week. Facing South Korea in their Asian Cup opener on Monday in Australia, they played against the backdrop of political turmoil at home following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
The strikes, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” targeted Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and included the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the US go about trying to restrict the nation's regional influence amid perceived threats of nuclear fallout. In retaliation, Iran have since launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and regional countries hosting US allies or military bases, including Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE.
Escalating tensions have begun impacting sports as well. The president of the Iranian football federation expressed a bleak outlook for the team’s participation in this year’s World Cup. Already qualified, Team Melli is set to face New Zealand in Los Angeles in June to open its Group G campaign, but Donald Trump commented that he “couldn’t care” whether the team chooses to boycott the tournament.
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Iran Women's National Team's Silent Protest in Asia Cup Opener
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On Monday, the Iranian women’s team lost 3-0 against South Korea in Queensland, Australia, in what was their first game since the conflict began. As the national anthem was played ahead of kick-off, the squad simply stood in silence rather than singing in an apparent protest. Watch the incident below:
During questioning by media on Sunday, Iran women’s national team captain Zahra Ghanbari, alongside Jafari, was asked about Khamenei’s death. The question was shot down quickly. Jafari answered in Farsi, but an AFC media representative cut off her response without any translation, as per Fox News.
"OK, I think that’s all for your question. Thank you for asking. Let’s just focus on the game itself," the media representative said before questioning continued. While the content of Jafari's response remains unknown, the team's stoic nature during the national anthem, which is usually met by at least some players singing, says enough.
Tournament hosts, Australian women - better known by their nickname "Matildas" - have also praised the Iranian women for still showing up at the Asia Cup. Sam Kerr, Chelsea legend, was among those to mention how they gave them a tough game last time the two nations met and how they deserve the utmost respect. Watch her interview below:
Iran Men's Involvement in World Cup Increasingly Unlikely
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Iran’s national team will not be preparing for the World Cup at this time, as a 40-day mourning period following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is in effect. But even after that period, it remains uncertain whether the Middle Eastern nation will travel to the USA, where only athletes and team staff are exempt from the travel ban Trump has imposed on them, alongside 38 other countries.
"What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope," football president Mehdi Taj told sports portal Varzesh3 on Sunday. "The US regime has attacked our homeland, and this is an incident that will not go unanswered."
FIFA has also noted it will be monitoring the situation with Iran, while simultaneously dealing with issues arising from Mexico’s ongoing conflict following the assassination of drug lord cartel boss “El Mencho.” The governing body now faces unprecedented challenges in organising this summer’s World Cup, with fewer than 100 days remaining.