Overview
- Five of the seven Iranian delegation members who had accepted Australian humanitarian visas withdrew their claims and rejoined the squad for a return through Malaysia, Oman, Istanbul and the Gurbulak–Bazargan land crossing.
- Authorities in Tehran organized welcomes for the returnees, with parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf praising them and a public ceremony later held in Valiasr Square.
- Two players, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, stayed in Australia and have been training with A-League club Brisbane Roar.
- Australia says it offered protection and genuine choices, with visas approved and AFP involvement, while Iranian officials accuse Canberra of pressuring the players to stay.
- The episode followed the team’s silence during the national anthem at the Asian Cup, after which state media branded players “wartime traitors” and rights groups alleged pressure on families to force returns.