Iranian women's soccer captain Zahra Ghanbari withdraws asylum bid
Iran state media reported on March 15 at a time of escalating pressure that the team has received threats against their families. Captain and fifth player to reverse her decision, Zahra Ghasanbary withdrew an Australian asylum claim after initially accepting humanitarian protection for seven squad members who sought safety in Australia following participation in the Asian Cup tournament there last year
Key Points
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1Zahra Ghanbari has withdrawn her Australian asylum bid and returned to Iran.
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2Ghanbari is now confirmed as one of five members who have reversed their decision after initially accepting the offer, with fears that family threats from Iranian authorities are driving these decisions.
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3State media reports indicate a growing number within both players' squad and backroom staff withdrawing asylum claims amid mounting safety concerns.
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4Three other women's soccer players previously granted Australian visas reportedly plan to return home as well.
Developments
Zahra Ghanbari, captain and one of three other members of an Australian-based Iran women's football team cohort that initially received humanitarian visas under Cabinet Minister Catherine King has withdrawn her asylum claim to return home after being labeled "wartime traitors" by Iranian state media.
Five members of the Iranian women's soccer delegation have abandoned their Australian asylum claims following reports that relatives are facing threats from Tehran authorities. Captain Zahra Ghanbari, who is Kurdish and recently lost her father to COVID-19, returned home alongside three other players after being offered repeated chances by Australia but citing pressure on families as a reason for leaving the country's offer of protection unfulfilled in their view