Five Iran women’s footballers seek refuge in Australia after Asian Cup exit
Five members of Iran’s women’s national football team are believed to be seeking asylum in Australia after refusing to return home following their elimination from the Women’s Asian Cup on the Gold Coast.
Australian media reports say the players have been placed under police protection in Queensland and are receiving support while authorities consider their asylum claims. The group had recently drawn attention for not singing the national anthem before their opening match, a gesture that sparked accusations of disloyalty from some viewers.
On Monday night, a tense scene unfolded at the team hotel on the Gold Coast as anti-regime protesters gathered while the players prepared to board a bus toward the airport for their return to Iran.
That evening, it was reported that five players had slipped their regime minders and were sheltered by federal police. Reports within the Iranian community cited that Home Affairs had begun processing asylum claims after discreet talks with the players, with the government minister potentially addressing the situation on Tuesday.
Concerns about coercion and possible coercive practices were raised when a New South Wales anti-slavery official wrote to police, urging an immediate investigation into the possibility of exit trafficking as part of the players’ departure from Australia.
Protesters briefly halted the team bus outside the stadium, signaling for help as they demanded safety for the players. Some of the Iranian players appeared to respond to the gesture, drawing attention to their precarious position.
FIFA stated that the safety and security of Iran’s women’s national team are a priority and said it remains in close contact with the relevant Australian authorities, including Football Australia, regarding the players’ welfare.
