Three members of the Iranian women’s national football team who had sought refuge in Australia during the Women’s Asian Cup have decided to return to Iran, as per reports.
The Iranian squad had travelled to Australia last month to participate in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup before tensions escalated in the Middle East on February 28.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke reportedly confirmed the latest departures in a statement on Sunday, saying the players had been given multiple opportunities to reconsider their decision before leaving.
He added that Australian authorities ensured the players fully understood their options before travelling.
According to Iranian state media, the individuals returning included two players and one member of the support staff.
Iran’s women’s football team had arrived in Australia with a 26-member squad for the tournament.
Following the escalation of tensions in the region, six players and one support staff member initially accepted humanitarian visas offered by Australian authorities, allowing them to remain in the country. The rest of the delegation left Sydney for Kuala Lumpur on March 9.
As per reports, the issue first drew attention when five players reportedly left the team hotel on the Gold Coast during the night and approached Australian authorities seeking protection. Police later moved them to a secure location where they met Burke, who approved humanitarian visas enabling them to stay in Australia.
The Australian government later identified the players as captain Zahra Ghanbari, midfielders Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Sarbali Alishah and Mona Hamoudi, along with defender Atefeh Ramezanizadeh.
Officials also said the remaining members of the Iranian squad had been offered the same option should they wish to remain in Australia.
The team had attracted global attention earlier in the tournament when several players stood silently during the Iranian national anthem ahead of their opening match against South Korea women’s national football team.
The players did not publicly explain the incident, although they later sang the anthem and saluted the national flag in subsequent matches.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry criticised the involvement of foreign governments in the matter. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accused the United States and Australia of interference and urged the players to return to Iran.
With the latest departures, only three members of the original group who had accepted humanitarian visas remain in Australia.
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