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Australia Grants Asylum to Five Iranian Women’s National Team Players

Authorities acted after a silent anthem protest triggered threats against the players in Iran.

Overview

  • Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed humanitarian visas for five players and said they were moved to a secure location in Brisbane, later appearing in a photo without headscarves.
  • The government invited other teammates to stay under the same terms, though several departed Australia or declined to apply, with witnesses reporting emotional scenes as a team bus left for the airport.
  • Five players had earlier left the team hotel and sought police protection after Iranian state media denounced them as traitors following the anthem protest.
  • President Donald Trump publicly urged Australia to grant asylum and said he spoke with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while FIFA stated player safety was its priority.
  • Brisbane Roar offered the players a place to train and play as they begin to build new lives in Australia.