Iran’s women’s Asian Cup team ‘very concerned’ about families back home | Football news

Players competing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia share the fears of loved ones at home amid US-Israeli attacks.

Iran coach Marziyeh Jafari says her team fears for their families at home in a war-torn home, with players “completely disconnected” from them during the Women’s Asian Cup.

The Iranian team is preparing to face host nation Australia in the Gold Coast on Thursday after losing 3-0 to South Korea in the opening match of the continental competition.

They kick off again with the bombing of their homeland by the United States and Israel.

With the internet blackout making it impossible for players and staff to contact anyone, Jafari thanked the Iranian Australians for the support they received.

“We are very happy that the Iranian Australians here are supporting us,” he told Australian media on Wednesday.

“Obviously, we are very concerned about our families and our loved ones and all the other people within our country, we are completely disconnected.

“Here, we are coming to play football professionally and we will try our best to focus on the next game.”

Striker Sara Didar broke down in tears as she spoke about her worries.

“Obviously, we’re all worried and we’re sad about what happened to Iran and our families and our loved ones,” the 21-year-old told reporters.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society said at least 787 people were killed across Iran in the joint US-Israeli strikes that began on Saturday.

Asian football chiefs said they were giving “full support and assistance” to the team, which arrived in Australia just days before US-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Jaffery and his players – who did not sing the national anthem before the loss against South Korea – declined to comment on Khamenei’s death when asked by journalists.

A pocket of Iran fans at Monday’s game waved the red, green and white national colors and some pre-Islamic revolution flags and declared their support for the team.

“We hope we see many Iranians supporting us, it really encourages us and we really appreciate it,” Didar said. “I know the stadium will be full tomorrow and hopefully we will have a good atmosphere.”

Australia’s midfielder Amy Sayer praised the courage of the Iranian team in such a difficult situation.

“Our hearts go out to them and their families, it’s a tough situation and they really have the courage to be here and perform,” Sayer told reporters.

“He gave a really strong performance even with the political climate that he’s going through and the struggles that he’s going through.

“The best we can do to contribute is to give them a game of football (Thursday) and show them respect on the field. Hopefully, the situation will improve and they can stay safely in Australia.”

Thursday’s match will be the second meeting between the two women’s national teams, with Australia winning the previous match in Perth in 2023.

Australia, the 2010 Asian Cup champions and semi-finalists in the 2023 World Cup they co-host with New Zealand, opened their 2026 Asian Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over the Philippines and can secure a quarterfinal spot with a win over Iran.

The Iranians are in Australia to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, which means they need to finish in the top eight at the Asian Cup.

Iran made their historic debut at the last Asian Cup in India in 2022, making them national champions in a country where women’s rights are severely restricted.