Overview
- Iran were eliminated after a 2-0 loss to the Philippines on the Gold Coast, having sung and given a salute during the anthem before their final two matches.
- Supporters surrounded and attempted to block the team bus after the match as police intervened, with video and eyewitness reports indicating some players made an unverified SOS hand signal from the bus.
- FIFPRO reported serious concerns for the players’ welfare and said it is working with FIFA, the AFC and Australian authorities to ensure safety and player agency, while a petition has surpassed 66,000 signatures urging the team not be allowed to depart until protections are in place.
- Australian ministers voiced solidarity with the people of Iran but declined to detail any interventions; the team is staying on the Gold Coast with departure expected later this week, and coach Marziyeh Jafari said the squad wants to return home.
- Iranian diaspora groups and figures including Reza Pahlavi urged Australia to offer protection, citing state media denunciations of the players as “wartime traitors” and concerns about potential repercussions on return, with regional airspace disruptions complicating travel.