Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi has warned of “dire consequences” for Iranian women’s footballers who chose to return to Tehran after competing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, voicing fears they will face retribution from the Islamic Republic. Pahlavi’s statement came as five players were granted refuge in Australia, while others flew on to Kuala Lumpur.
The players’ refusal to sing the national anthem before a match against South Korea last week sparked controversy and prompted concerns for their safety. Pahlavi, son of the last Shah of Iran, described the regime’s response as a pattern of threats followed by a staged show of mercy, and then “quiet retribution.”
“I aim for the world to understand what is happening to the women on that flight,” Pahlavi wrote, referring to those who returned to Iran. “Their families have already been threatened. The regime’s attorney-general urged them to ‘return with calm and confidence’, language every Iranian recognises as a warning.”
Donald Trump, the US president, initially offered to fly the entire squad to the United States, accusing Australia of making a “terrible humanitarian mistake” by potentially allowing the players to return to Tehran. However, he retracted those comments after a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, stating that Australia was “doing a very solid job” with the situation and that five players had already been granted refuge.
The Australian government has provided a “safe haven” for the five players, according to Pahlavi’s office. Some players reportedly chose to return to Iran due to concerns for the safety of their families, fearing threats against them if they did not.
The situation has drawn attention from international figures, including “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling, who joined a growing chorus of calls for Australia to offer asylum to the team. Calls for asylum followed an incident where Iranian state television branded the team “wartime traitors” after their refusal to sing the national anthem.
Fifa has been involved in emergency talks regarding the safety of the players. The incident occurred shortly after the US and Israel began military action against Iran, adding to the political sensitivity of the situation.
Thousands of protesters rallied across Australia on February 14, 2026, in support of regime change in Iran, with many expressing hope that Pahlavi would assume power. The protests were part of a “global day of action in solidarity with Iran’s Lion and Sun revolution,” with similar rallies held in Munich, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
