Players on Iran's women's national soccer team are in genuine danger. On Sunday, after being eliminated from the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia, they were filmed desperately signing "SOS" in sign language through the windows of their team bus – held, according to reports, by Islamic Republic handlers assigned to prevent them from fleeing.
The crisis began at the team's opening match of the tournament in Australia, when the players refused to sing the national anthem – a thunderous silent protest against the regime. According to reports, following that incident, the players and their families received threats and were warned of severe punishment upon their return home. By the second match, the players were already singing the anthem and even saluting as it played.
As the bus carrying Iran's women's football team was leaving the stadium, the situation suddenly took a dramatic turn when from inside the bus the players began signaling "Help" in sign language.
This all started when they refused to sign the national anthem in their first game… pic.twitter.com/k2pVVPBiNb
— Throwback Iran (@Tarikh_Eran) March 8, 2026
The entire episode is unfolding against the backdrop of the war that erupted in the Middle East. Senior figures in media outlets aligned with the regime have called the players "traitors in wartime" and demanded harsh punishment. In Iran, the penalty for treason is the death sentence, and the team has found itself in a situation of genuine mortal danger. Calls have been made in Australia to grant the players political asylum.
Things came to a head on Sunday. Many regime opponents who had emigrated to Australia attended the team's matches, and as the players left the stadium on their bus, fans noticed them pleading for help in sign language. The crowd tried to block the road and prevent the bus from moving, but Australian security forces intervened.
According to assessments, if the team returns to Iran, the players will face severe punishment – and, as noted, potentially death sentences. Social activists are working to pressure the authorities to grant the players political asylum and allow them to stay in Australia. In the meantime, they are being held by handlers from the Islamic Republic, who accompanied the team to the Asia Cup.
