September 7, 2026

Iranian Footballers Confirm National Anthem Protest Was Against Tehran's Government

Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh confirmed their refusal to sing the national anthem was a protest against Tehran during the Women's Asian Cup in March.
They faced backlash in Iran, being labeled as traitors, but viewed their silence as a stand against the government's violent crackdown on protests.
Both players are now asylum seekers in Australia, playing for the Wynnum Wolves, and were granted citizenship in August.

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