March 10 – Five members of the Iranian women’s football team have been granted humanitarian visas in Australia after their Asian Cup exit – but the fate of the rest remains unclear amid fears for their safety.
Aussie Immigration Minister Tony Burke said the five women “were moved to a safe location” by local police. He said other squad members had been told they are welcome to stay in the country.
The team has come under worldwide scrutiny since the USA and Israel launched attacks on Iran.
At their first match of the tournament in Australia last week, the players refused to sing Iran’s national anthem. The team then sang the national anthem and saluted for their next two matches, reportedly under pressure.
Iranian government media has labelled the players “wartime traitors”, with one TV presenter saying: “Anyone who takes a step against the country under war conditions must be dealt with more severely.”
And fears are growing for the safety of the rest of the team, who could face persecution if they return to Iran.
The women had been due to fly home, but several bodies are calling for Australia to offer them formal protection.
The Asia and Oceania arm of the global players’ union FIFPRO released a statement Friday calling on FIFA and the Asian confederation to “undertake all necessary steps” to protect the players. The group said the Iranian state TV presenter’s words “significantly heighten concerns for the players’ safety should they return to Iran after the tournament.”
A FIFA spokesman said: “The safety and security of IR Iran’s women’s national team are FIFA’s priority, and we therefore remain in close contact with the AFC and the relevant Australian authorities, including Football Australia, in relation to the team’s situation.”
U.S. President Donald Trump made several posts on his Truth Social platform about the team Monday, and said that he spoke with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the “rather delicate situation.”
“He’s on it!” Trump posted. “Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way. Some, however, feel they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return.”
Australia’s visa programme grants permanent protection to refugees and people in humanitarian need. Visa holders can live, work and study in the country.
The team’s coach was briefly stopped by dozens of activists who tried to persuade the other players to stay in Australia. Some protesters lay on the ground in an attempt to block the coach from moving forward. The players watched from inside the bus.
