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1h ago

Australia Grants Humanitarian Visas to Five Iran Women’s Players After Asian Cup Safety Fears

Canberra cited mounting safety concerns linked to the team’s anthem protest plus hostile state‑media attacks in Iran.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke poses with Fatemeh Pasandideh, Mona Hamoudi, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh, Zahra Ghanbari and Zahra Sarbali, the five women from the Iranian women’s soccer team who were granted humanitarian visas, in Queensland, Australia, March 9, 2026. @Tony_Burke on X/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY
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TOPSHOT - Police officers clear the road for a departing bus transporting members of the Iranian Women's Asia Cup football team to the airport, after members of the Iranian community in Australia attempted to block its path, outside the Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast on March 10, 2026. Five players from Iran's visting women's football team claimed asylum in Australia on March 10, seeking protection after they were branded "traitors" at home for refusing to sing the national anthem. (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP via Getty Images)

Overview

  • Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Australian Federal Police moved the five athletes to a safe location, met them there, and finalized their humanitarian visas shortly after 1:30 a.m.
  • The government says the same option is available to the rest of the squad, though officials note some players may choose to return due to concerns for their families.
  • The five identified players are Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi, who left team accommodation and sought protection.
  • FIFA and the global players’ union FIFPRO say they are monitoring the situation, with ongoing concern for teammates and relatives still in Iran.
  • Supporters organized petitions and protests as police protected team movements, while travel back to Iran has been complicated by regional route disruptions and security considerations.