Seven members of Iran’s women’s national soccer team have sought asylum in Australia, refusing to return to Iran amid growing fears of persecution.
The dramatic moment unfolded Tuesday when the team prepared to leave Sydney following the Women’s Asia Cup tournament. One player reportedly refused to board the flight at the last minute, making a desperate plea to stay in Australia.
Several teammates were seen in tears as they boarded the Malaysia bound flight, according to reports from Australian media.
Players Granted Humanitarian Visas
Five players were officially granted humanitarian visas by the Australian government earlier the same day. The athletes identified in reports include Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the players left their hotel on the Gold Coast and requested help from authorities to remain in the country.
Officials said they feared possible punishment after refusing to sing Iran’s national anthem during a match against South Korea last week.
Iranian state media reportedly labeled the players “wartime traitors” after the incident.
Emotional Scenes at the Airport
While some players chose to seek asylum, the rest of the team continued with their planned departure.
Video obtained by the Sydney Morning Herald showed athletes boarding buses and later flights while visibly emotional.
Witnesses said several players were crying as they prepared to leave Australia.
Officials from Australia’s Home Affairs department met privately with each team member before departure.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the players were given the opportunity to make their own decisions without outside pressure.
“Every member of that team was able to speak privately with officials,” Burke said. “They were given a choice about what they wanted to do.”
Backlash and Safety Concerns
Concerns for the players began earlier in the tournament when the team stood silently during Iran’s national anthem before their opening match.
The moment quickly spread across social media and sparked backlash from Iranian state outlets.
In later matches, the players sang the anthem, which fueled speculation they may have faced pressure from officials accompanying the team.
After Iran was eliminated from the tournament, fans outside the stadium reportedly shouted “Save our girls” as the team bus left the venue.
International Attention Grows
The situation has drawn global attention as tensions continue to rise around political freedoms in Iran.
Supporters and activists have urged governments to provide protection for athletes who fear returning home.
For the players who chose to remain in Australia, the asylum process may take months while officials review their cases.
Meanwhile, the emotional scenes at the airport highlight the difficult choices many athletes face when politics and sport collide.