Megan Rapinoe Faces Criticism Over Iranian Soccer Team Silence

Piers Morgan took a sharp stance against former U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe, labeling her silence on the Iranian women's team’s anthem protest as “hypocritical.”
The criticism stemmed from a New York Post article that highlighted Rapinoe’s lack of comment after the Iranian squad’s controversial anthem protest at the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

Morgan’s X Post

• Accusation: Many feminists, including Rapinoe, prioritize the fight against transgender athletes over supporting oppressed female players.
• Framing: The situation is a choice between defending “biological men” in women’s sport and helping Iranian athletes escape danger.

The Iranian Team’s Protest

• Opening Match: Quietly protested the national anthem.
• Subsequent Games: Returned to singing and saluting Iran’s flag before being knocked out of the tournament.
• Safety Concerns: Fears for their safety, especially amid U.S.–Israel military tensions.
• Humanitarian Visas: Seven team members received visas to stay in Australia; one withdrew her acceptance.

Rapinoe’s Position

• Past Advocacy: Defended trans inclusion in U.S. women’s soccer (2023 Time interview).
• Current Silence: Has not spoken publicly about the Iranian players or their plight.
• Recent Focus: In a podcast episode, she discussed WNBA collective bargaining and the U.S. women’s soccer equal‑pay victory, not the Iranian issue.

Broader Debate

The clash highlights a tension between advocacy for marginalized athletes and political activism, questioning where public figures direct their attention.