Iranian Women Footballers Abandon Australian Asylum After Repeated Returns

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Three additional members of Iran’s women’s soccer team have left their asylum in Australia and are choosing to return to Iran, according to Canberra officials on Sunday.
Seven members of Iran’s delegation competing in the Women’s Asian Cup sought refuge in Australia after being labeled “traitors” at home for refusing to sing the national anthem.
Currently, only three players will stay in Australia, as another teammate had a change of heart earlier this week.
“Last night, three members of the Iranian Women’s Soccer Team decided to rejoin the rest of the squad for their journey back to Iran,” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced.
He added, “After informing Australian officials of their decision, the players were given multiple opportunities to discuss their options.”
The Australian government offered the team members a chance to seek asylum, but Burke emphasized they faced extremely tough decisions.
This situation has unfolded amid ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts ignited by US-Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly accused Iranian authorities of pressuring athletes abroad by threatening family members or confiscating property if they defect or speak out against the regime.
Burke stated, “Australia has done everything possible to ensure these women had a safe future here.”
“Australians can be proud that our country provided these women with real choices and worked with authorities willing to support them.”
State broadcaster IRIB reported Saturday that three team members—including two players and one staff member—had abandoned their asylum claims and are en route to Malaysia.

‘Traitors’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the women’s bravery and assured they would be embraced warmly.
However, Iran’s football federation accused Australia of kidnapping the players and forcing them to abandon their homeland against their will.
During a match in Australia, the players remained silent while the national anthem played, a symbolic act of defiance.
An Iranian state TV host called the athletes “wartime traitors,” raising fears that they could face persecution, or worse, if they return.
Though some players sang Iran’s anthem in subsequent matches, human rights advocates warn the damage has already been done.
Five players, including captain Zahra Ghanbari, disappeared from their hotel under cover of darkness to seek asylum in Australia.
Two more team members—one player and one support staff—applied for asylum before the team departed from Sydney on Tuesday evening.