Iran women’s football player fights back tears as she says she is ‘concerned and sad’ over conflict

WorldFootball
4 Mar 2026 • 11:37 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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An Iranian football player fought back tears as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East was mentioned during an Asia Cup press conference.

Striker Sara Didar told journalists on Wednesday (March 4) that she is “concerned and sad” at what is going on in Iran but hopes the women’s team can bring some “good news”, before she became visibly emotional.

Iran is set to face Australia in their second group-stage match on Thursday (March 5) on the Gold Coast, following a 3-0 defeat to South Korea on Monday (March 3).

During their match against South Korea, the team stayed silent and refused to sing along as their national anthem "Mehr-e Khavaran” was played ahead of kick-off at the Cbus Super Stadium.