Former captain and founding member of the Afghanistan women’s national football team, Khalida Popal, praised the courage of Iranian players who sought asylum in Australia and called on FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to do more to protect athletes facing persecution.
Concerns about the players’ safety upon returning to the country increased after Iranian state television branded the team “” for refusing to sing the national anthem during an Asian Cup match this month.
Popal, who was forced to leave Afghanistan in 2011 because of her football activism and was later granted refugee status in Denmark, said the Iranian players showed extraordinary determination.
“What Iranian women are doing now, what they have done, this stand in the face of so much pressure from a murderous government — it is a courageous attitude. They are very courageous. They should be proud of themselves,” she told Reuters on Wednesday.
Popal also drew on her own experience as a refugee to highlight the psychological impact that decisions like this can have, even after reaching safety in another country.
“You are physically safe, but mentally pressured. Psychologically, you go through a lot of stress, anxiety and feelings of guilt because you are safe while other people like you are being killed, silenced or imprisoned,” he said.
Personal cost
She also recalled the personal cost of leaving Afghanistan.
“It was the most difficult situation I have ever been in,” he said, adding that he had to deal with depression, stress and anxiety, in addition to constant concern for his family who remained in the country.
Popal, founder and director of the Girl Power Organization — an entity that seeks to empower women and girls in marginalized communities — also thanked Australia for its response to the crisis.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed on Tuesday that five members of the team had been offered asylum, and two more came forward on Wednesday. It has since come to light that one of the players .
“I am grateful to the Australian government for showing support and welcoming,” said Popal. “The football community rallied and said, ‘Our doors are open to you. You are welcome. This is your home.’”
The Iranian team’s campaign in the tournament began precisely when the United States and Israel launched air strikes against Iran, which resulted in the death of the supreme leader, . Iran ended up eliminated from the competition on Sunday.
Global players union FIFPRO had called on the AFC and FIFA to fulfill their human rights obligations and take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Iranian national team.
Popal, however, asked the two entities to act more quickly and decisively.
“This is the time for AFC and FIFA to come together to support the women of Iran, including those who have returned home. Their safety must be a priority. Right now, the response is very slow,” he said.
“The world is not becoming a better place, and there will be more crises. Sport needs to be prepared for this.”
