Five players from the Iran women’s national football team have been granted humanitarian visas by Australia after requesting protection due to fears of persecution in their home country. The decision was confirmed by Australian officials on Tuesday.
The players had traveled to Australia to compete in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. During their stay, several members of the squad sought asylum after expressing concerns about their safety if they returned to Iran.
Australian authorities confirmed that five players have already received humanitarian visas. The remaining team members are currently staying in a hotel on the Gold Coast while considering their options.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Australian government is ready to help other players if they choose to request protection. However, he stressed that the final decision rests with each individual player.
He said many Australians were moved by the situation faced by the women athletes. The government, he added, wants them to feel safe and supported during their time in the country.
Diplomatic Calls Follow Global Attention
The situation gained international attention after Donald Trump publicly discussed the issue. The US president said he had spoken with Prime Minister Albanese regarding the Iranian team.
Trump initially criticized the idea of sending the players back to Iran. In a social media post, he warned that they could face severe consequences if forced to return.
Later, he said he had spoken directly with Albanese. Trump praised the Australian leader for handling what he described as a delicate situation.
According to Trump, some members of the team had already been assisted by Australian authorities. However, he also said that some players might still choose to return home.
He suggested that fear for the safety of family members in Iran may influence their decision. Some players reportedly worry that relatives could face threats if they remain abroad.
Albanese confirmed that Trump called him shortly before 2 a.m. during the unfolding situation. During the conversation, the Australian leader explained the government’s actions over the previous two days.
He said five players had requested protection and were safely relocated.
Players Left Team Hotel Amid Safety Concerns
Reports from Iran indicated that the players quietly left the team hotel with the assistance of Australian police. Iranian media said the group departed through a back entrance to avoid attention.
The five players were later identified by Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. Their names include Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Ghanbari, Fatemeh Pasandideh, and Atefeh Ramezanizadeh.
Burke posted photographs on social media showing him meeting the athletes at an undisclosed location. One image also showed him signing documents related to their humanitarian visas.
The minister said the government had been holding quiet discussions with the players for several days before the decision was made.
Officials acknowledge that choosing to seek asylum is not an easy decision for athletes representing their country.
Anthem Protest Sparked Safety Fears
Concerns about the players’ safety increased earlier during the tournament. Before their opening match against South Korea women’s national football team, members of the Iranian squad refused to sing their national anthem.
They stood silently during the anthem, which drew attention from fans and media. The gesture was widely interpreted as a form of protest.
A commentator on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting criticized the players and described their action as dishonorable.
The team later sang the anthem before a subsequent match against the Australia women’s national football team. Human rights groups feared that government officials may have pressured the players to do so.
The global footballers’ union FIFPRO welcomed Australia’s decision to grant humanitarian visas. However, the organization said concerns remain about the safety of the remaining players and their families.
FIFPRO Asia/Oceania president Beau Busch said all players must have the freedom to make their own decisions.
The situation remains fluid as other members of the team consider their next steps. Some players may still return to Iran, while others may seek protection abroad.
Australia previously granted emergency humanitarian visas to members of the Afghanistan women’s cricket team after the Taliban banned women’s sports following its return to power in 2021.
