The missing player appears: "Chose to leave"

On Thursday, the Iranian journalist Reza Mohaddes got in touch with Shaghayegh Bapiri, writes Norwegian TV2.

Bapri, the player with the most international caps in Iran's World Cup squad, had been missing for two days before the interview.

On Tuesday, she was reported missing during the World Handball Championship in Spain.

The national team player is now speaking out for Iran International TV.

- I chose to leave the Iranian national team to seek asylum in another country, she says.

"I am a sportswoman"

The 30-year-old does not reveal where she is, but emphasizes her well-being.

- I am seeking asylum to have a better future, especially in sports.

My whole life has been about sports.

I've never been involved in politics, and I know nothing about it.

I'm a sportswoman.

Bapri adds:

- I hope that women in my home country will not be seen as second class citizens.

They should not be forced to do things they do not want to do.

Earlier in the World Cup, four players from Cameroon disappeared.