Iranian Womens Football Team Members Seek Asylum in Australia

Three members of the Iranian Women’s Football Team have withdrawn their asylum applications in Australia, according to a statement from Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Sunday morning. The three individuals, who had previously claimed asylum in Australia due to concerns about potential punishment upon their return to Iran, are now reportedly heading to Malaysia.

The decision comes after the team refused to sing the Iranian national anthem at their first match in the Asian Cup tournament. This move sparked controversy, with some labeling the players as “traitors” and others expressing concern for their safety.

In February, the United States and Israel launched a war on Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking officials. Since then, an estimated 1,444 Iranians have been killed, including over 170 schoolgirls who were inside a primary school in Minab.

The Iranian team’s initial refusal to sing the national anthem led to comments from an IRIB presenter, which went viral and prompted FIFPRO to urge FIFA and AFC to take action to protect the players. Five of the players claimed asylum in Australia, while a sixth player and support staff member also sought refuge before the rest of the team departed Sydney earlier this week.

One of the players who initially withdrew her request has since changed her mind and is now joining the rest of the team in Malaysia, awaiting their return to Iran. The Iranian governing football body has accused Australia of kidnapping the players and forcing them to forsake their home nation against their will.

Source: Al Jazeera