Australia grants asylum to five Iranian female footballers

Five Iranian women footballers have been granted humanitarian visas by Australia after fears they could face punishment if they returned to their country following their exit from the Asian Cup

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the decision on Tuesday, explaining that the players would be allowed to remain in Australia due to concerns about their safety.

“Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They’re safe here and they should feel at home here,” he said while speaking to journalists in Canberra.

The development followed growing anxiety that the athletes could face persecution in Iran after they declined to sing their national anthem before their opening match at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which is currently taking place in Australia.

The situation attracted international attention, including a call for action from Donald Trump, who criticized the idea of sending the players back to Iran and urged Australian authorities to step in.

Albanese revealed that he had spoken with Trump by phone earlier on Tuesday and described the discussion as positive. After the visas were approved, Trump later praised the Australian government’s move in a follow-up post on social media.

While confirming the visas for the five players, the prime minister added that Australia is also prepared to help other members of the Iranian squad if they seek support, noting that the situation remains extremely sensitive and any further decision would depend on the individuals involved.