We are watching state-sponsored control play out live on the Gold Coast

March 9, 2026 — 11:27am

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If you’ve ever wondered what state-sponsored coercive control looks like, look no further than the tragic predicament of the Iranian women’s soccer team.

It’s extraordinary that Australians are witnessing the Iranian players apparently being surveilled and intimidated by members of their own government after they came to our country in peace to play soccer with our beloved Matildas and other Asia Cup teams.

According to reports, the women are being watched and controlled by members of the Iranian government, possibly the notorious Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who have come as part of the Iranian tour entourage.

Iranian activists in Australia say the women are in mortal danger, having staged what seems to have been a silent protest against their regime last week, when they refused to sing their own national anthem before a match against South Korea.

Following that brave act of peaceful resistance, Iranian........

© WA Today