Iranian security bodies reportedly pressure the family of national team captain Zahra Ghanbari after the star footballer seeks asylum in Australia, raising concerns over athlete safety
Tehran: Iranian authorities have allegedly threatened the family of women’s national football captain Zahra Ghanbari after the star player sought asylum abroad, according to reports citing sources familiar with the situation.
The development has sparked fresh concerns about political pressure on athletes and their families, particularly those seeking refuge outside Iran.
Threats Reportedly Directed at Family
According to information received by Iran International, the mother of Zahra Ghanbari was threatened by Iranian security agencies, including units linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Sources indicated that members of the Iran women’s national football team, currently in Kuala Lumpur, were the first to learn about the pressure being placed on Ghanbari’s family. They later informed the football captain about the threats.
Asylum Request in Australia
Ghanbari, widely regarded as the all-time top scorer for Iran’s women’s national football team, reportedly applied for asylum in Australia last week.
Her move has drawn international attention, particularly in the context of growing tensions between Iranian authorities and athletes who leave the country seeking political protection.
Pressure on Other Team Members
Reports also indicate that Zahra Soltan Moshkeh-Kar, a staff member associated with Iran’s football setup, allegedly passed on threatening messages from leadership within the country’s football federation to players who had sought asylum abroad.
In another reported case, a third player was pressured to return to Iran after receiving emotional voice messages from family members, suggesting that relatives may also be facing pressure from authorities.
Concerns Over Athlete Freedom
Human rights observers say such incidents highlight the risks faced by athletes who defect or seek asylum, particularly when family members remain in their home country.
The situation has renewed debate about freedom of movement and political pressure on sports professionals, especially in countries where government institutions maintain strong influence over national sports bodies.
