US President Trump claims Australia has dealt with Iranian female soccer players

Australian Government Assures Iran’s Women’s Football Team Members

The US President, Donald Trump, has confirmed that five members of Iran’s women’s football team who participated in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 have been taken care of by the Australian government. The players were reportedly under protection from the Australian Federal Police and had sought assistance from the government.

According to reports, the team was criticized for not singing their national anthem before their first match against South Korea. However, they did sing the anthem and salute during their second match against Australia. This sparked concerns among human rights campaigners that the women may have been coerced by government minders.

The players’ union, FIFPRO, expressed serious concerns for the team’s welfare as they prepared to return home. The Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, had flown to Brisbane to meet with the women, and government sources confirmed that five of the players were already receiving protection from the authorities.

Trump stated on his Truth Social network that he had spoken to the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, about the “delicate situation” faced by the team. The US President warned that if Australia did not grant asylum to the team, it would be a “terrible humanitarian mistake”. However, an assistant minister for foreign affairs and trade, Matt Thistlethwaite, said that the government could not comment on individual circumstances due to privacy reasons.

The Australian Federal Police and Queensland Police have declined to comment on the matter. It is unclear which members of the team are seeking asylum in Australia.

Source: Al Jazeera