Iran’s women’s football team battles anxiety over families amid war and internet blackout as they compete in Australia.

IRAN’s women’s football coach Marziyeh Jafari has revealed her squad is struggling with immense concern for their families back home as war rages, leaving players “fully disconnected” during the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

The team is preparing to face host nation Australia on the Gold Coast on Thursday following a 3-0 opening loss to South Korea in the continental competition.

They will take to the field once more with their homeland under bombardment from the United States and Israel, according to reports.

A severe internet blackout in Iran has made it nearly impossible for players and staff to contact anyone, with Jafari expressing gratitude for the support received from the local Iranian-Australian community.

Striker Sara Didar fought back tears while speaking to reporters about the team’s collective worries for their loved ones.

Asian football chiefs have stated they are offering “full support and assistance” to the Iranian team, who arrived in Australia just days before reported strikes killed the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran made a historic debut at the last Women’s Asian Cup in India in 2022, an achievement that made them national heroes in a country where women’s rights are severely restricted.

 The Sun Malaysia