Five members of the Iranian national women’s football squad have departed from the team’s location following their Asian Cup match in Australia, as reported by CNN Sports.
The athletes left the hotel amid concerns for their personal safety. Currently, the players are under the protection of the Australian police force.
It is worth noting that on March 2nd, these sportswomen chose not to sing the Iranian anthem before their Asian Cup group stage game against South Korea. Reports suggest that this action was allegedly viewed as an act of betrayal within Iran. However, later that Thursday, the Iranian women’s team did perform the national anthem prior to their second fixture against Australia. Before the match against the Philippines on March 8th, the players sang the anthem once more and rendered a military salute.
According to CNN Sports, following the final game, at least three of the footballers made international gestures signaling distress while on a bus, and spectators surrounding the vehicle implored the police to safeguard the women.
The United States and Israel initiated strikes against targets within Iranian territory, including Tehran, on February 28th, with reports indicating destruction and civilian casualties. Iran is retaliating with strikes against Israeli territory and US military installations across the Middle East region. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the offensive launched by the US and Israel, urging for immediate de-escalation and a cessation of hostilities.
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