Sydney: Most of Iran’s women’s soccer team departed from Australia on Tuesday, with only seven players opting to accept permanent asylum offers. Tension filled Sydney Airport as Australian officials conducted last-minute private meetings with each player, using interpreters to inform them of their option to stay and not return to Iran.
According to United News of Bangladesh, seven players had already been granted humanitarian visas to stay in Australia indefinitely. Despite emotional appeals and tearful protests from those leaving, no additional players chose to remain. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke described the meetings at the airport as “emotional,” noting that one of the initial seven players who stayed behind later decided to return to Iran.
The situation gained national attention after the team’s first Asian Cup match, where some players remained silent during Iran’s national anthem. This silence was perceived by many as a protest or an act of defiance, while others saw it as a form of mourning. Burke stated that the gesture had ‘been heard as a roar all around the world’ and emphasized that Australia provided the players with a safe choice.
The team had arrived in Australia prior to the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28. Following Iran’s exit from the tournament over the weekend, players faced the potential return to a conflict-ridden country. Iranian-Australian groups warned that the players could face severe repercussions for their actions, despite the players themselves not publicly explaining their silence.
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Australia for not offering asylum, though Australian officials confirmed that private discussions with the players had been ongoing. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities asserted that the players were safe and that the government would protect them.
Burke explained that Australian officials made every effort to ensure players could make a free decision, arranging last-minute talks, private calls, and separating them from team minders to ensure decisions were made with dignity. The six players staying in Australia were relocated for security, granted permanent residency, and provided with health, housing, and support.
The Asian Football Confederation confirmed that the squad had moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where it would continue to receive support until further travel arrangements are made.