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3d ago

Five Iranian Players Drop Asylum Bids as Team Leaves Malaysia for Oman

Two teammates remain in Australia under protection, with rights groups alleging unverified pressure on families.

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.
This handout photo, taken and released on March 16, 2026, by Brisbane Roar FC, shows Iranian footballers Fatemeh Pasandideh (front row, 4rth R) and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh (front row, 4rth L) posing with Brisbane Roar players during a training session. Two Iranian women footballers have trained with Australian club Brisbane Roar after seeking asylum in the country, with one of them uploading a picture alongside a senior FIFA official saying: "Everything will be fine."
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Overview

  • Five of the seven Iranian delegation members who accepted Australian humanitarian visas have rescinded them and rejoined the squad, which departed Kuala Lumpur for Oman en route toward Iran.
  • Captain Zahra Ghanbari was reported by Iran's state media as the fifth to withdraw her asylum bid and to travel to Malaysia to link up with the team.
  • Two players, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, remain in Australia at an undisclosed location, are receiving government and community support, and trained with A-League club Brisbane Roar.
  • The Asian Football Confederation said it could not verify reports of coercion or threats and noted it had received no direct complaints from players, saying those asked responded, "no, it's ok."
  • Australian officials said the women were offered genuine choices and support, while Iranian state outlets framed the returns as a propaganda victory and activists alleged pressure on players' families.