Australia grants asylum to 5 members of Iranian womens soccer team

Published: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 1:25 am

Australia Grants Asylum to Five Iranian Women's Soccer Players

Australia has granted asylum to five members of the Iranian women's soccer team, according to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. The players were in Australia for a tournament when the Iran war began. The decision follows calls for assistance from Iranian groups in Australia and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The players, who had not previously expressed a desire for asylum, were transported to a secure location by Australian federal police after requesting asylum. Minister Burke confirmed that their humanitarian visas were finalized, and the women were reportedly joyful and relieved. The players have agreed to have their names and pictures published.

The Iranian team arrived in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup last month. The team was eliminated from the tournament, and faced the prospect of returning to Iran. The head coach of the team, Marziyeh Jafari, stated that the players wanted to return to Iran as soon as possible. The offer of asylum was extended to all members of the team.

The players' silence during the Iranian anthem before their first match drew attention and speculation. While some viewed it as an act of resistance, others saw it as a show of mourning. The team later sang the anthem before their remaining matches.

The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, stated that the players are safe and should feel at home in Australia. He added that Australian officials had offered support to the athletes.

The announcement came after former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Australia to grant asylum to any team member who wanted it. Trump praised the Australian government's response.

BNN's Perspective:

The Australian government's decision to grant asylum to these players is a complex one. While the humanitarian aspect is clear, the situation also highlights the political pressures involved. The involvement of President Trump adds another layer of complexity, and it's important to consider the potential implications of such actions on international relations and asylum policies.

Keywords: Australia, Iran, asylum, soccer, women's soccer, humanitarian, visas, Donald Trump, Anthony Albanese, Iranian women's soccer team, Asian Cup, Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke

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