Overview
- Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said six women connected to Iran’s delegation remain in Australia on temporary humanitarian visas that offer a pathway to permanent residency, while a seventh reversed her decision and returned to Iranian care.
- Officials moved the remaining six to a new location after the woman who changed her mind contacted the Iranian embassy, which exposed the group’s previous safe house.
- Burke said team members were individually separated at Sydney Airport, offered asylum without pressure or minders present, and allowed to consult families before deciding.
- The rest of the squad has left Australia and is staying in Kuala Lumpur as the Asian Football Confederation provides support while onward travel is arranged, according to the AFC.
- Advocates warn of security risks including potential monitoring by Iranian agents, and Queensland police are investigating an official traveling with the team after a threat was reported on the Gold Coast.