Canberra (TDI): Five members of Iran’s women’s national football team have been granted humanitarian visas in Australia after seeking asylum over fears of persecution if they returned home.
The players, including team captain Zahra Ghanbari, Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh and Mona Hamoudi, were in Australia for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup when they requested protection from Australian authorities.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, confirmed the athletes have been granted humanitarian visas after being moved to a secure location by federal police. The visas allow them to remain in Australia and could provide a pathway to permanent residency.
Concerns for the players’ safety intensified after they declined to sing Iran’s national anthem during a tournament match; an act widely interpreted as a silent protest against the government.
Iranian state media reportedly condemned the players as “traitors,” raising fears they could face punishment if they returned to Iran.
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The Iranian team had traveled to Australia before the outbreak of war in Iran in late February and was eliminated from the Asian Cup after losses to South Korea, Australia and the Philippines.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government has been working behind the scenes to assist the players and said that help will be extended to other members of the squad who might also wish to seek protection.
The situation also drew comments from United States President Donald Trump, who initially criticized Australia for potentially allowing the athletes to return to Iran and warned they could face severe consequences.
After speaking with Albanese, Trump later praised Australia’s handling of the case and said the players have been “taken care of.”
While five players have accepted protection, the rest of the Iranian delegation has not publicly declared whether they will follow suit. Officials say the option to apply for asylum remains open to any team member who requests it.
