Home / Sports / Australia Grants Asylum to Iranian Footballers
Australia Grants Asylum to Iranian Footballers
10 Mar
Summary
- Australia offered asylum to five members of Iran's women's football team.
- US President Trump urged Australia to grant asylum, threatening US action.
- Players sought safety after not singing the national anthem during a match.
Australia has officially granted asylum to five members of Iran's women's football team, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirming their safety and welcome in the country.
This development came after significant pressure from United States President Donald Trump, who had publicly urged Australia to act. Trump had also indicated that the US would grant asylum to the players if Australia did not.
The players had reportedly faced potential persecution upon returning to Iran after not singing their national anthem before a match in the Asian Cup. Australian Federal Police assisted the five players in leaving their team base and entering a safe house.
Minister Burke confirmed that humanitarian visas were signed off, with the processing completed in the early hours of the morning. He extended the same opportunity to the remaining members of the team, though some reportedly felt compelled to return due to concerns for their families' safety in Iran.
FIFA stated it was in close contact with Australian authorities, prioritizing the team's safety. The article also briefly mentions unrelated issues concerning Iraq's World Cup play-off arrangements and potential geopolitical tensions impacting regional travel.
