Brisbane, Australia — Five members of Iranian Women’s national soccer team have applied for asylum in Australia after leaving their team during the Women’s Asian Cup tournament. Authorities confirmed the players are currently safe with Australian police as concerns grow about their safety if they return to Iran.
Reports first emerged when several players left the team hotel during the tournament in Brisbane. According to sports journalist Raha Pourbakhsh from Iran International TV, at least seven players departed from the hotel, and five of them have now formally sought asylum in Australia.
Sources say the families of three of the players who applied for asylum have already received threats in Iran. The location of two other players who also left the hotel remains unknown. Officials from the Australian Federal Police and the Departments of Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs have not yet released official statements about the situation.
The issue gained international attention after the Iranian players stood silently during their national anthem before their first group-stage match last week. Many observers interpreted the silence as a protest against Iran’s government. Some fear the players could face punishment if they return to Iran.
Later in the tournament, the players were reportedly required to sing the anthem before matches. Ahead of their final game, which ended in a 2–0 defeat against the Philippines, the team sang the anthem and performed a military salute.
After that match, supporters gathered around the team bus outside the stadium and urged authorities to protect the players. Witnesses said several players inside the bus appeared to signal for help using an international distress hand signal, although some sources close to the team questioned whether the players were aware of the meaning of the gesture.
The case has also drawn political reactions. Former U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that allowing the players to return to Iran would be a “terrible humanitarian mistake.” He also stated that the United States would offer asylum to the players if Australia did not grant protection.
Trump later wrote that he had spoken with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and claimed that five players had already been protected while others were seeking assistance.
Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former shah, also urged the Australian government to ensure the players’ safety. He warned that they could face serious consequences for refusing to sing the national anthem earlier in the tournament.
The situation has also attracted the attention of international soccer organizations. FIFA stated that the safety and security of Iran’s women’s national team remains a priority. The organization said it is in contact with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Australian authorities regarding the players’ situation.
Human rights advocates and former Australian international player Craig Foster said several organizations attempted to contact the team during their stay in Australia but were denied access. He argued that athletes should always have access to independent support networks, especially when concerns about safety exist.
FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, the regional players’ union, also expressed concern after it was unable to reach members of the Iranian squad.
Meanwhile, Iran’s head coach Marziyeh Jafari told reporters after the final match that she personally wanted to return home to Iran as soon as possible.
Supporters from the Iranian community in Australia continue to call on authorities to protect the players. Many fear they could face persecution if they return to Iran due to the political tensions surrounding the team’s actions during the tournament.
As the situation develops, Australian officials, soccer governing bodies, and international human rights advocates are closely monitoring the safety and future of the players who have sought asylum.
