Advocates are imploring Australian officials to meet with the Iranian women's soccer team to secure their safety, after the squad were seen making what appears to be an 'SOS' hand signal on the Gold Coast. Community groups have written to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, pleading with him to intervene on behalf of the women. 'I call on the Australian government to ensure their safety and give them any and all needed support,' he said. 'The Australian government should not turn a blind eye to the danger these women face,' he said in a statement. The anthem boycott by the women's team is not without precedent.

Source: Metro March 09, 2026 06:42 UTC