The Iranian women's football team faces threats from their home government after initially staying silent during the national anthem at the Asian Cup on the Gold Coast. State TV labelled them 'wartime traitors' following their subtle protest before the match against South Korea, prompting the players to perform a military salute and sing the anthem before their subsequent game against the Matildas. Around 200 demonstrators rallied outside the stadium, calling the team 'hostages to the regime' with concerns they face severe punishment, including potential jail time or execution, upon their return to Iran.

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