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FOOTBALL CHIEFS OFFERED “full support and assistance” to the Iranian team in Australia Sunday for the Women’s Asian Cup after the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on their homeland.
Iran’s 26-strong squad arrived on the Gold Coast days before the strikes on Saturday killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Washington and Tel Aviv seek to topple the Islamic republic.
They are due to open their tournament on Monday against South Korea.
The Asian Football Confederation said in a statement it “continues to closely monitor the recent developments in the Middle East during this challenging period”.
“The AFC’s foremost priority remains the welfare, safety and security of all players, coaches, officials and fans,” it added.
“In this regard, we are in close and regular contact with the Iran women’s national team and officials on the Gold Coast and are offering our full support and assistance.”
Iran coach Marziyeh Jafari held a pre-match press conference on Sunday but stuck to football, saying the tournament was a chance to show “the potential of Iranian women”.
“After the league season in Iran, we came together for three training camps, before coming to Australia where we have had a few fruitful sessions, so I hope tomorrow we can show you a good match,” she said.
The 12-team tournament, which kicked off today as hosts Australia beat Philippines 1-0, will be one the biggest ever for many Iranian players.
They made an historic debut at the last Asian Cup in India in 2022 and suffered heavy defeats against China and Taiwan, but it made them national heroes in a country where women’s rights are severely restricted.
“In India in 2022, the group was a little easier. Now in 2026 we enter with more experience but the group is more tough,” said Jafari of a group that also includes hosts Australia and the Philippines.
“But we (still) want to show in these games the potential of Iranian women.”
Iran showed grit to come through a challenging qualifying campaign for Australia that culminated with a win against favourites Jordan to seal back-to-back appearance.
Skipper Zahra Ghanbari said she was dreaming big.
“I believe this tournament is great with great teams, but we really want to qualify for the World Cup,” said the 33-year-old.
“We know these will be tough games, but we have a tough mentality and we want to do our best.”
The top six finishers will qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
Sam Kerr scored the winner as Australia made an unconvincing start to the tournament with a 1-0 win over a gallant Philippines in front of a record crowd of 44,379 at Perth Stadium.
The Chelsea star striker opened the hosts’ account in the 14th minute, but that was as good as it got despite dominating possession.
Written by AFP and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.
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