Overview
- State television broadcast large crowds in Tehran presenting flowers and trophies to players on Valiasr Square after the squad reentered Iran via Turkey.
- Seven team members initially sought asylum in Australia over fears of reprisals, most later withdrew their applications, and two remained in Brisbane and are now playing for Brisbane Roar.
- The team had drawn condemnation at home for not singing the anthem in their first Asian Cup match, and players were later reported to have signaled distress from their bus, prompting an Australian protection offer.
- Iranian outlets promoted slogans like “My choice. My homeland,” aired interviews framing Australia as pressuring players, and touted choreographed gestures such as stepping over an Israeli flag, claims rejected by Australian officials.
- Human rights groups cite tactics targeting relatives and property, ex-athletes report coordinated pressure on families, and Olympic judoka Saeid Mollaei warned the returning players may face severe danger, with reports that captain Zahra Ghanbari’s mother was summoned by authorities.