Australian authorities granted humanitarian visas to five members of Iran’s women’s national football team. The players sought refuge while competing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Queensland. Officials moved them to a safe location with police assistance.
The team arrived in Australia for the tournament. During a match against South Korea, players refused to sing Iran’s national anthem. Iranian state media labeled them traitors. This act heightened fears of persecution upon return home, especially amid ongoing conflict in Iran. Additionally the war in the Middle East intensified safety concerns for the athletes.
Five players slipped away from their hotel on the Gold Coast overnight. Australian Federal Police aided their extraction from Iranian handlers. The women, identified as Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi, applied for asylum. Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi confirmed their names and stated they were in a secure place.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the visas in a press conference. He said officials prepared for the situation and extended the offer to the remaining team members. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke signed the applications and met the players in Queensland. Burke declared, “They are welcome to stay in Australia, and they are safe here.”
However some teammates chose to return due to family threats back home. Amnesty International had urged protection, noting risks of reprisals.
The incident drew international attention. US officials reportedly discussed the matter with Australia. Meanwhile supporters protested outside the team bus, highlighting global solidarity with the players. The government emphasized Australia’s commitment to humanitarian aid.
