Retired U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe has praised the Iranian women’s soccer team for their ‘bravery and courage’ during the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. The team faced intense pressure when several players refused to sing their national anthem, protesting against the Iranian regime.
Rapinoe, on the 'A Touch More' podcast, expressed her admiration for the players' decisions to seek asylum, highlighting the immense pressure and risk involved for them and their families. ‘I, of course, fully support their decisions to seek a better life and to try to escape an incredibly oppressive regime,’ she said.
Despite facing criticism for her initial silence, Rapinoe stood firm in her support for the athletes. The situation has drawn attention to the challenges female athletes face in Iran, with some players choosing to remain in Australia while others returned home.
The Australian government faced criticism for its handling of the asylum requests, but Rapinoe remains hopeful for the safety and well-being of all the players involved.