Two players from the Iran women’s national football team and a member of the technical staff have withdrawn their requests for asylum in Australia after initially seeking protection following controversy surrounding the team’s actions during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
According to Iranian state media, the three individuals are now travelling to Malaysia where the rest of the team is awaiting arrangements to return to Iran.
Reports earlier indicated that seven members of the Iranian women’s football delegation six players and one staff member had applied for asylum after facing backlash at home. The athletes were labelled “traitors” by critics after refusing to sing the national anthem during the tournament, an act widely seen as a form of protest amid tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Iran’s state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting confirmed that the three women had abandoned their asylum applications and were already en route to Malaysia. Images shared by the broadcaster showed them wearing Islamic hijabs while preparing to board a flight.
One of the players had earlier withdrawn her asylum request and rejoined the team earlier in the week. Authorities in Australia said that after contacting Iran’s embassy she revealed the location of other asylum seekers which forced them to relocate from their safe house.
Human rights groups have repeatedly accused Iranian authorities of placing pressure on athletes abroad by threatening family members or seizing property when athletes defect or speak out against the government.
Meanwhile Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the courage of the players who sought asylum and said they would be welcomed if they chose to remain in Australia.
However Iran’s football governing body Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran accused Australia of attempting to lure the players away from their country and forcing them to abandon their homeland.
The controversy began when Iranian players remained silent during the national anthem before a tournament match in Australia a gesture widely interpreted as defiance against the Iranian government.
Among those who reportedly fled the team hotel under cover of darkness to seek asylum were several players including team captain Zahra Ghanbari.
The situation continues to draw international attention as debates grow over athlete rights political pressure and freedom of expression in global sports.
You May Like
Leave a comment