Australia Grants Asylum to Five Iranian Women Footballers After Leaving Team Hotel

Five players from Iran’s women’s national football team have been granted asylum in Australia after leaving their team hotel with assistance from police, according to Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke.

Burke stated that authorities relocated the players to a secure location before approving their protection request. The players—Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Mona Hamoudi, Atefeh Ramazani-zadeh, and Fatemeh Pasandideh—departed the team’s accommodation and sought protection.

The incident follows reports that the players remained silent during the national anthem before a match against South Korea, shortly after the start of military attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, interpreted by some as a protest. Iran’s state television subsequently labeled the players “traitors during wartime” and called for punishment, heightening concerns about their safety upon return.

Australian immigration officials finalized humanitarian visas for the five players early Tuesday, enabling them to remain in Australia under protection. Discussions on their asylum requests had been underway for several days prior to the move by the Australian Federal Police.

Burke noted that asylum offers remain available to 21 other members of the Iranian women’s national team still at the hotel. He described the situation facing the remaining players as a difficult decision between returning home or seeking protection abroad, adding that Australia would support those prioritizing safety.