Overview
- Iran’s state news agency IRNA said captain Zahra Ghanbari withdrew her asylum request and departed Australia for Malaysia en route to Iran.
- Her decision brings to five the number of delegation members who reversed earlier plans to stay, leaving two still in Australia.
- Home affairs minister Tony Burke said the players who opted to leave were repeatedly briefed on their options before departing.
- FIFPRO said squad members were interviewed independently by the Australian Federal Police and immigration officials after being moved to safe accommodation.
- Iranian state media portrayed the returns as patriotic, while activists and rights groups alleged pressure on families in Iran, claims that remain unverified.