Donald Trump posted a message urging Australia to approve asylum for the Iranian women's national football team, fearing they could be executed if sent back to Iran. He said if Australia refuses, the U.S. would take them in.
On 9 Mar 2026 GMT+7, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, calling on Australian authorities to allow the Iranian women's national football team to seek asylum in the country after five players left their team hotel during the Women's Asian Cup in Australia.
"Australia is making a huge humanitarian mistake if it forces the Iranian women's football team to return, as they face a high risk of being killed. Don't do that, Prime Minister. Grant them asylum. The U.S. will take them in if you don't," Trump stated.
Trump's post came amid calls to prevent the female players from leaving Australia, fearing execution if they return to Iran. During the first match last week, the players stood silently during the Iranian national anthem without explanation, but hardline religious groups in Iran interpreted this as a sign of betrayal.
Sources told CNN Sports that the players were forced to sing the national anthem before their second match on Thursday, and again on Sunday before their 2-0 loss to the Philippines, during which they also performed a military-style salute.
After the final match on Sunday ended in defeat, fans surrounded the team's bus, shouting to police to "help our children" as the vehicle departed.
Hadi Karimi, a human rights activist and member of the Iranian community in Australia, said fans outside the bus clearly saw at least three players inside attempting to signal for help using universal hand gestures.
Later reports indicated that five team members left their hotel in Australia and are now safely under police protection. Karimi added there is hope other players will join the five currently with police, calling it "very welcome news" that some have managed to escape.
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Source:cnn