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Iran Players Refuse Anthem, Citing Crackdown Protest

9/8/2026

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Story summary
  • Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh refused to sing Iran’s anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup.
  • They said the silence protested Tehran’s crackdown on nationwide demonstrations.
  • Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke said no squad members had asylum offers at the match.
  • U.S. President Donald Trump urged protection for the players and called Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
  • Albanese reported four players and a manager accepted humanitarian visas, though seven later withdrew.