GOLD COAST, Australia — Australia has granted asylum to five members of the Iran women’s national football team who were visiting the country for a tournament when the conflict in Iran erupted, a government minister confirmed Tuesday.
Tony Burke said federal police transported the players from their hotel on the Gold Coast early Tuesday to a secure location after they requested asylum. Their humanitarian visas were later finalized during a meeting with the minister in Brisbane.
“I don’t want to begin to imagine how difficult that decision is for each of the individual women,” Burke told reporters, adding that the players expressed relief and excitement about starting a new life in Australia.
The Iranian team had traveled to Australia last month to compete in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup before war broke out in Iran on Feb. 28. The squad was eliminated from the tournament over the weekend and faced the prospect of returning to a country under bombardment.
Public attention intensified after the team appeared not to sing Iran’s national anthem before its opening match, sparking speculation that it was a sign of protest or mourning. The players later sang the anthem in their remaining games.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the athletes were safe and welcomed in the country. “Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women,” he said.
The asylum decision came after Donald Trump publicly urged Australia to offer refuge to any players who wished to remain, even suggesting the United States would accept them if Australia did not.
Burke said asylum was offered to all members of the 26-player squad and team staff, though it remains unclear whether more players will choose to stay. Protesters also gathered outside the team’s hotel Tuesday, urging authorities to protect the athletes as they decide whether to return home or seek refuge abroad.
