Iran's women's football team has been under intense scrutiny since arriving in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup. Players did not sing the national anthem before the first game against South Korea. (Getty Images: Albert Perez)

By Amanda Shalala

ABC News Australia

The Iranian women’s football team is facing an impossible situation.

As the players try to prepare for their final Women’s Asian Cup game against the Philippines on the Gold Coast this weekend, they must contend with two possible realities.

One, where they return home, and could face punishment from the Islamic Republic regime for choosing not to sing the national anthem before their first game. Or another, where they stay in Australia, and their families and loved ones could instead suffer retribution. 

Amnesty International Australia Strategic Campaigner Zaki Haidari told ABC Sport it was a complex situation.

“They should be granted asylum. There's no way that they can go back to Iran. The Iran Authority will detain them and prosecute them on arrival, and they've done that historically,” he said.

“We know that has happened a lot, particularly in the last two months. Anyone that came out, protested against the Iranian regime, have suffered the consequences.

“[Their loved ones and families] will face some level of punishment no matter what happens with the Iranian team.”

He says the best the families and loved ones could hope for, would be to “get out of the country and hopefully reunite with [the players] at some point”.

‘Life-changing decision’ facing players

As we have reported, the players’ decision not to sing the national anthem before the game against South Korea was seen as a silent protest against the Islamic Republic regime.

They then saluted and sang before their second match against Australia, interpreted as a directive from the regime.

Iran's female footballers stayed silent during the national anthem in their opening Women's Asian Cup game, but it was a different picture ahead of their game against Australia.

This then appeared to be confirmed when footage emerged from a radical conservative presenter on Iranian state TV, labelling the players “traitors” for not singing the anthem.

They are due to depart Australia after their final group game against the Philippines tomorrow night.

Fears are growing for their safety amongst the Iranian-Australian community, prompting several locals to start a petition addressed to Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke.

It asks the Government to ensure no member of the team leaves Australia while uncertainty over their safety remains, and that any players looking to seek protection can do so independently of the regime, whilst being provided with independent legal advice and support. 

It went live on Friday night, and at the time of publishing, it had over 30,000 signatures. 

Melbourne-based human rights activist Dr Minoo Ghamari is one of the people who started the petition and said it was designed to attract wider public attention.

“People are trying to get in touch with these girls. But basically, they are being kept hostage in Australia. It's really disgusting,” she told ABC Sport.

“No one can get close to them because of the Islamic Republic guys who are surrounding them. And that's really unfair.”

It is believed that people with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are part of the team’s official delegation. It is listed as a terrorist organisation in Australia.

We have heard witness reports that those staff members have intimidated guests and visitors to the Gold Coast hotel where the team is staying >>>