IRAN has ordered the punishment of the returning women’s football captain who sought refuge in Australia.
was one of 400 Iranians named on a list of “supporters of the enemy” by the Islamic Republic over the weekend.
Zahra Ghanbari has had all her assets seized upon her return to IranCredit: Reuters
Ghanbari was initially offered a humanitarian visa to avoid persecution back homeCredit: AFP
While the regime mainly took aim at those associated with media outlets accused of “supporting foreign attacks and backing hostile opposition groups abroad”, it also named several high-profile athletes, actors and executives.
In a shock development, Ghanbari – with 22 caps for her country – has now had all her assets seized by the government.
Iran’s women’s team arrived in for the Asia Cup back in late February.
The group of players then defied the regime by refusing to sing the national anthem before a match against on March 2.
However, this silent act of protest saw them labelled “wartime traitors” back home in the Iranian media.
One player reportedly saying: “Don’t come [back to Iran]… they’ll kill you.”
Another message smuggled by a player’s family out of Iran to the squad read: “You need to stay”.
In the aftermath, the Australian government offered the team asylum, fearing they would be in danger if they returned home.
This followed calls from various world leaders – including – to ensure their safety.
The White House boss warned the team “will most likely be killed” if they were allowed to return to Iran.
Ghanbari and six other teammates initially accepted humanitarian visas, only to abandon them days later.
This is reportedly due to threats being made against the players’ families in Iran, forcing their hands.
Four other teammates have also returned to Iran, leaving just two left down under.
Ghanbari’s return to Iran was framed in the media as an act of patriotism, while authorities assured she would not receive any form of punishment.
State-run outlet IRNA wrote that Ghanbari was “returning to the embrace of the homeland”, while the Mehr news agency called it a “patriotic decision”.
However, the seizure of her assets represents a worrying departure from this promise.
The seizure of assets will include draining her bank accounts as well as confiscating both movable and immovable property.
Other prominent figures likely to receive similar treatment are actor Hamid Farokhnezhad, singers Ashkan Khatibi and Mazyar Fallahi, and TV presenter Parastoo Salehi.
She and several other teammates have renounced their claims, travelling back to IranCredit: Reuters
Iran’s women’s team was participating in the Asia CupCredit: EPA 
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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