Former Iranian Soccer Accuses Government of Holding Families Hostage' if Players Speak Out: This Is the DNA of the Regime'

"Those players, six players, like, with the biggest smile, and they were without hijab and at the same time worried but they were happy because they could have a beautiful future in Australia; but this woman, like, changed everything and. They got, actually they hold hostage their families, the regime. This is the DNA of the regime. So this is their tactic, to threaten your family."

"This is about your future or about your family. This is a big guilt on your shoulder. At the same time, you are thinking about your future. You are so happy because you don't have to wear that hijab. You feel freedom. But at the same time, you have to think about your family because they're gonna lose everything, they're gonna torture, they're gonna face even imprisonment, or rape."

Iran's women's national soccer team gained international attention for silently protesting during the national anthem at an Australian tournament, refusing to sing. This act prompted accusations of treason from some in Iran and raised concerns about severe government punishment upon their return. While President Trump urged Australia to grant asylum and offered U.S. refuge, most players eventually returned to Iran despite initial acceptance of Australia's offer. Former player Shiva Amini revealed that a government-sent staffer convinced the players to return by threatening their families with torture, imprisonment, and rape. Amini, who fled Iran in 2017, described the impossible choice between personal freedom and family safety that forced many players to abandon their escape.

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