Australia Grants Asylum to Seven Iranian Women’s Soccer Players

Australia has granted asylum to seven members of Iran’s women’s national soccer team after they sought protection due to safety concerns upon returning home amid ongoing conflict. The players and staff were transported by police from their hotel on the Gold Coast to a safe location where Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke finalized their humanitarian visas, which offer a pathway to permanent residency.

The initial five players who sought asylum expressed joy and relief at the decision, emphasizing that they were 'not political activists.' Two additional members—a player and a team staffer—were granted asylum before their teammates departed for Iran. The women were taken aside individually by Australian officials and interpreters, without Iranian minders present, to ensure they had no pressure or rush in making their decision.

According to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, not all members of the delegation who applied for visas were granted them due to security assessments. Some individuals linked to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard were reportedly not offered asylum. The remaining team members departed from Sydney late Tuesday local time amidst protests by Iranian Australians seeking to prevent their departure.

The Iranian team arrived in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup last month before the war began on February 28. They were eliminated from the competition over the weekend, raising concerns about their return to a country under bombardment. The offer of asylum was extended to all members of the team, which includes 26 players and coaches.

A commotion erupted outside the team's hotel as protesters tried to prevent a bus believed to be carrying the remaining players from departing. Some chanted 'Save our girls' and 'Please act now.' The identities of those on the bus and its destination could not be immediately confirmed.