Iranian women footballers have been granted humanitarian visas in Australia following their controversial exit from the Asian Cup. Five players have been allowed to stay in the country amid fears of persecution if they returned to Iran.
The move follows calls from international figures, including former United States President Donald Trump, who urged the Australian government to offer asylum to the team. Concerns grew after the players lost 2-0 to the Philippines on Sunday and faced heavy criticism at home for refusing to sing Iran’s national anthem before their first match in Gold Coast. Iranian media labeled the players as “traitors” amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke confirmed that the five women were moved to a secure location by police. Other members of the squad have also been told they are welcome to remain in the country if they choose. Burke named the five players as Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi.
Burke emphasized that the athletes do not identify as political activists. “They are athletes who want to be safe,” he said. Talks regarding their visas had been ongoing for several days. On Monday, the minister confirmed that five players specifically requested to stay in Australia, and their humanitarian visa applications were approved in the early hours of Tuesday.
The Australian government has not confirmed what impact these decisions may have on the families of the players remaining in Iran. Burke addressed the rest of the squad, saying, “The same opportunity is there for other team members. Australia has taken the Iranian women’s soccer team into our hearts. These women are tremendously popular here. But we realise they are in a terribly difficult situation with the decisions that they are making.”
After leaving their hotel, the five players were escorted to a safe location by police. BBC reporters observed their minders attempting to locate them, but the players had already been moved.
Australia’s humanitarian visa program allows refugees and those in humanitarian need to live, work, and study in the country with permanent protection. Meanwhile, the remaining members of the team were transported to Gold Coast Airport and are expected to travel to Sydney later in the evening.
