Australian grants asylum to Iranian footballers who refused anthem sing: "Transferred for safety"'
Five members of the Iranian women's football team were granted humanitarian visas in Australia on Wednesday after fleeing their hotel during a chaotic departure from Gold Coast following elimination at the Asian Cup. The players, including captain Zahra Ghanbari and Fatemeh Pasandideh who refused to sing Iran's national anthem before matches—a move state media labeled as betrayal—faced threats of retaliation against themselves or families back home in Tehran after officials attempted to organize a flight for their entire squad that same day.
Key Points
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1Seven members of the Iranian women's football team have sought asylum in Australia after being labeled 'traitors' for refusing to sing their national anthem.
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2The players fled Sydney amid fears that they would face retaliation or punishment from authorities upon returning home if caught on a flight back.
Developments
Perspectives
Two more Iranian women's soccer players sought asylum in Australia after five other members were granted humanitarian visas, bringing the total to seven who remain safe while others departed for Iran.
— (Reuters via Al-monitor)Seven integrated members of the Iranian Women's Football Team are currently staying in Australia seeking protection from their home country where they faced threats and fears regarding safety after being labeled 'traitors'.
— (Krdo/CNN Sports excerpt translation)Two additional members of Iran's women's football team have sought asylum in Australia after refusing to sing the national anthem before a match. Police confirmed they did not board flight 1048 from Sydney Airport amid fears for their safety following Iranian state media labeling them "wartime traitors."
Two additional members of Iran's national soccer team sought asylum in Sydney after refusing to sing their country's anthem at a tournament match amid domestic backlash labeling them "wartime traitors." While five teammates were granted humanitarian visas due to safety concerns, the remaining players have departed for home following protests by Iranian residents and support from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Australia's decision.