In a dramatic development at Sydney Airport, two additional members of Iran’s women’s football team have remained in Australia after refusing to board their departure flight, according to BBC reports. The individuals—believed to be one player and one technical staff member—join five teammates previously granted humanitarian visas by the Australian government.
The situation unfolded as the team prepared to return home following their elimination from the Asian Cup tournament held on the Gold Coast. Australian-Iranian community activists gathered at the airport to support team members seeking refuge, claiming some players had signaled for help during the tournament.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed through ABC that Border Force officials had conducted ‘multiple representations to the team, including private meetings’ before their scheduled departure. The humanitarian visa program offers permanent protection, allowing recipients to live, work and study in Australia.
The political context became apparent when players initially refused to sing Iran’s national anthem before their match against South Korea, prompting safety concerns. Although the team subsequently sang the anthem in their final two games, critics believe government officials within the delegation forced their participation.
Iranian state media commentators have labeled the players ‘wartime traitors,’ raising concerns about potential repercussions for them and their families upon returning to Iran. The situation attracted international attention when former US President Donald Trump intervened via Truth Social, offering US asylum if Australia declined protection.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed national solidarity, stating ‘Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They’re safe here, and they should feel at home here.’
The five players already granted protection—Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi—have been relocated to secure locations under police supervision. Minister Burke emphasized these athletes ‘want to be clear they are not political activists. They are athletes who want to be safe.’