Australia's Minister for Home Affairs confirmed that humanitarian visas have been approved for five Iranian women's national football team members who have applied for asylum, and that other team members are also welcome to do the same.
On 9 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Tony Burke, Australia's Minister for Home Affairs, told reporters that five members of the Iranian women's national football team who applied for asylum in Australia will be granted humanitarian visas amid concerns they could face severe punishment if they return to Iran.
Burke said he has signed off on their applications and the entire process was completed by the department just a few hours ago. "I want to tell the other team members that the same opportunity remains open. Australia has warmly embraced the Iranian women's football team," he said.
The minister stated that the five players have been moved by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) from their hotel accommodations to a "safe location."
"The remaining players are still staying at the team's original accommodation," Burke said. "Of course, we are working to ensure there will be further opportunities. If anyone wishes to lodge an application with Australian authorities, they will have that chance."
Currently, the Iranian women's national football team is in Australia to compete in the Women’s Asian Cup. Concerns have grown about their safety should they return to Iran after the team "stood silently" and refused to sing the national anthem before their first match last week.
The team did not explain their reasons for this action, but hardline religious groups in Iran interpreted it as a sign of betrayal against the nation.
Sources told CNN Sports that the players were forced to sing the national anthem before their second match on Thursday. On Sunday, before their 2-0 defeat to the Philippines, they again sang the anthem and performed a military-style salute.
After the final match on Sunday ended in defeat, supporters surrounded the team bus, shouting to police, "Help our children," as the vehicle departed.
Earlier, former US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social urging Australia to allow the Iranian women footballers to seek asylum in the country.
"Australia is making a huge humanitarian mistake if it forces the Iranian women's national football team to return to a country where they face a high risk of being killed. Don't do that, Prime Minister. Grant them asylum. The US will take them in if you won't," Trump stated.
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Source:cnn