Iran players labelled 'wartime traitors' after anthem silence in Asian Cup opener

THE WIRE, March 7 — Iran are playing in the continental tournament even as a military conflict escalates back home after the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes over the weekend, killing the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi said in a video that the players showed a lack of patriotism and their actions amounted to the "pinnacle of dishonour" in footage circulating widely on social media.

"Let me just say one thing: traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely," Shahbazi said. "Anyone who takes a step against the country under war conditions must be dealt with more severely. Like this matter of our women's football team not singing the national anthem ... these people must be dealt with more severely."

Reuters has contacted the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the Iran Football Federation and the team at the Asian Cup for comment.

Players union FIFPRO called on the AFC and FIFA to uphold their human rights obligations and undertake all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Iran's squad after Shahbazi's comments.

"These statements significantly heighten concerns for the players' safety should they return to Iran after the tournament," FIFPRO Asia/Oceania said. "We call on the AFC and FIFA to urgently engage with the Iranian Football Association, the Australian Government and all other relevant authorities to ensure that every effort is made to protect the safety of the players."

Ahead of their game against Australia, Iran forward Sara Didar fought back tears and spoke about the war while coach Marziyeh Jafari said her players were doing their best to focus on the tournament despite concern for their families back home.

Iran face the Philippines on Sunday in their final group match.

(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar and Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford and Ed Osmond)