Iran Welcomes Womens Football Team Home After International Tournament

Iranian Women’s Football Team Members Invited to Return Home with Peace and Confidence

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Iran has announced that the remaining members of the country’s women’s football team, who were granted humanitarian visas by Australia, are invited to return home “with peace and confidence”. The invitation was made by Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesperson for the ministry.

According to the general prosecutor’s office, the players will be allowed to return to their homeland with the intention of addressing concerns from their families. This decision comes after five members of the team sought asylum in Australia following their team’s exit from the Asian Cup tournament in Australia.

The Australian government had previously granted visas to the five players, citing a desire to ensure their safety and well-being. The players’ decision to stand in silence during Iran’s national anthem before their first match was met with criticism, with some labeling it as “dishonour”.

United States President Donald Trump had spoken to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the situation, stating that he was “on it!”. However, the Iranian government has disputed this claim, questioning the US president’s involvement in the matter.

The players were moved to an undisclosed location under police protection following their arrival in Australia. The team’s vice president for women’s affairs, Farideh Shojaei, stated that they had contacted various authorities and family members to determine what would happen next.

The Iranian football team departed from a hotel in Gold Coast on Tuesday afternoon, with some players leaving the premises surrounded by protesters. They then flew to Sydney airport before being transferred to the international terminal.

Source: Al Jazeera