Five members of the Iranian women’s national football team have left their training camp on the Gold Coast and sought refuge in Australia, citing fears of persecution if they return home after choosing not to sing Iran’s national anthem before a recent match at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
The players are currently being cared for by the Australian Federal Police while their asylum claims are processed by the Department of Home Affairs.
The women Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh and Mona Hamoudi reportedly slipped away from their Iranian minders at their Queensland hotel and were taken to a secure location under police protection.
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Their decision not to sing the national anthem ahead of Iran’s opening game against South Korea sparked backlash from state media back home, where they were branded “wartime traitors,” raising fears of serious punishment if they were forced to return.
Calls for international support grew as the team exited the tournament after a loss to the Philippines, and FIFA confirmed it is in contact with Australian authorities to ensure the squad’s safety.
FIFA said the safety and security of the team remain a priority.
Meanwhile, the asylum episode drew international attention, with former U.S. President Donald Trump saying he had spoken with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about safeguarding the team, stressing that some players felt pressured to return home out of concern for their families.
Australian officials have granted humanitarian visas to the five players, and Prime Minister Albanese stated they are now safe and “should feel at home here,” while also offering support to other team members who may wish to stay.
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