Iran Sweeps World in Women's Soccer Championships
Iran's Sara Didar in action during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A match between Iran and Philippines at Gold Coast Stadium. Dave Hunt/AAP/dpa Iran's female footballers are returning home via Turkey following the furore over their silent protest at the Asian Cup, Turkish state news agency Anadolu reported on Wednesday. The players landed at Istanbul airport on Tuesday evening and were travelling overland back to Iran, Anadolu said.
Iranian airspace is closed because of the war. The capital Tehran is more than 2,000 kilometres from Istanbul. During their first group match in Australia this month, the players remained silent during the national anthem, which was seen in Iran as a sign against the leadership in Tehran.
State media later branded them "traitors," even though the players sang in their following matches. Seven players applied for asylum in Australia after the team's elimination from the tournament. Five later withdrew their applications.
Human rights groups fear the women could face severe consequences in Iran, or that their families could come under pressure if they do not return.