The Iranian women's football team's experience in Australia has drawn significant criticism towards FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for not fulfilling their human rights obligations. Experts highlight that there appears to be a discrepancy between the governing bodies' commitments to human rights and their actions. Notably, FIFA and the AFC could not confirm if a human rights risk assessment was conducted ahead of the Women’s Asian Cup, despite inquiries from FIFPRO, the global players' union, indicating a lack of transparency and accountability.

The situation has been further compounded by geopolitical unrest, as recent US and Israeli military actions in Tehran raised alarms for the safety of the Iranian women's team returning home. This context adds urgency to demands for sports authorities to ensure player safety and well-being, particularly in environments where political tensions can precipitate violence. Calls are intensifying for FIFA and AFC to take proactive measures to protect not only the women’s team currently in competition but also the broader implications for upcoming major tournaments, such as the men's World Cup.

The rendezvous of athletics and human rights continues to be a volatile theme in international sports, especially for athletes emerging from repressive regimes. Activists and stakeholders are now pressing FIFA and the AFC to be more vigilant about safeguarding the players' rights and addressing any potential dangers they face, reflecting a growing expectation on international sports organizations to act as protectors of human dignity alongside promoting the game.