The government has not ruled out granting asylum to the Iran players who yesterday made a remarkable gesture of protest against their country’s conservative regime by refusing to sing the national anthem before the World Cup defeat to England.
Despite warnings of repercussions made directly to members of Carlos Queiroz’s squad ahead of the tournament and a wider threat of sanctions including the death penalty for protestors, the team gave their anthem the silent treatment at Khalifa Stadium while supporters who waved flags asking for freedom for women jeered.
That reaction has been met with concerns that the players, nine of whom play for Iranian clubs, could end up being punished.
Downing Street this morning refused to rule out support when asked if they would offer asylum or assistance if the players were going to face harsh repercussions for their actions.
“I wouldn’t get into speculating on what actions individuals might take," a No10 spokesperson said. "I think that’s highly hypothetical at this point. We do have a proud tradition of providing refuge to those in need. And equally we have condemned violence levelled at protesters in Iran. But I am not going to get into speculation [over whether] people may or may not choose to seek asylum.”
Hundreds of protestors have died in Tehran and other cities following the death in morality police custody of Mahsa Amini two months ago. The 22-year-old woman died in a prison having been arrested for not wearing her hijab correctly.
Before the tournament Saman Ghoddos, the only Iranian who plays in the Premier League, told Mirror Football that it was right for players to speak up in support of those who are calling for change - regardless of potential punishments.
“Of course,” the Brentford player said of feeling a responsibility to stand up and back the protestors. “I don't want to mix politics with football but football is coming to the side right now, because people are losing their lives fighting for freedom.
“Clearly a change needs to come and it's already been going on for so long. We all want to change.
“If you think it’s the right thing to do, I think you should [speak out] because you’re a famous athlete. If you can put a light on what’s going on you should do it – with pressure or without pressure because it’s the right thing to do.”
Iranian women are denied many freedoms - including attending football matches. There had also been calls for FIFA to kick the team out of the World Cup because their regime is supplying drones to Russia in its war against Ukraine .
Ghoddos added: "No one is happy about it, everybody wants to see a change. It’s a change that is very easy. What the people want is nothing special, it’s just freedom. I don’t want to say ‘Yeah, go fight for it’ because I don’t think violence is the right way. But something has to change and this has been going on for too long.
