According to her, during the team’s stopover in Malaysia, government officials promised the players from Iran “rewards” and good treatment. In a video recorded by protesters, the player says the group should be treated like “princesses” or “queens” when they return.

Iranian footballer believes in “princess treatment” upon return

Despite warnings from the demonstrators that these promises might not be kept, the player remains unimpressed.

She stressed that international attention following the asylum claims of some team members would protect the group from harm.

The player also says that the decision not to sing the national anthem before the Asian Cup game against South Korea was due to manipulation.

This decision caused concern, particularly among Iranians living abroad, as they feared that the player could be used for propaganda purposes. Another player considered at Sydney airport also decided to separate from the group, but ultimately decided to return to Iran.

Protesters also raise concerns about the players’ freedom. Their phones were reportedly searched and they were monitored by escorts.

One activist explains: “It’s their decision, but there is no real reason to risk returning.”

Team is banned from speaking to media

The team has been in Malaysia since Wednesday morning and originally planned to travel via Turkey to Iran. However, flight cancellations and closed airspace are delaying the return.

The players were accompanied on their arrival in Malaysia by Iranian Ambassador Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi.

During the flight, a player was prohibited from speaking to media representatives or disclosing information about her teammates’ asylum applications.