Members of the Iranian women's national football team have applied for asylum in Australia, following the prior approval of humanitarian visas for five players amid concerns that they would not be safe if they returned to Iran.
On the morning of Tuesday, 10 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that five Iranian women footballers had been granted humanitarian visas amid safety concerns if they were to return to Iran.
Recently, multiple sources told CNN that two more members of the Iranian women's football team—one player and one team official—have also submitted asylum applications in Australia.
Meanwhile, it is believed that the remaining team members have left Australia en route back to Iran. However, the exact routes they are taking and their expected arrival times remain unclear.
Previously, the Iranian women's national football team traveled to Australia to compete in the Women’s Asian Cup. However, concerns about their safety upon returning to Iran increased after team members stood silently and refused to sing the national anthem before their first match last week.
The team did not explain the reason for their actions, but hardline religious groups in Iran interpreted it as a sign of treason, which carries severe penalties.
Sources told CNN Sports that the players were forced to sing the national anthem before their second match on Thursday, 5 Mar 2026 GMT+7, and again on Sunday, 8 Mar 2026 GMT+7, before their 2-0 loss to the Philippines, during which they also performed a military salute.
After their final match on Sunday ended in defeat, fans surrounded the team’s bus, shouting to police to “help our children” as the vehicle departed.
Earlier, former U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social urging Australia to grant asylum to the women footballers.
“Australia is making a huge humanitarian mistake if it forces the Iranian women's national football team to return, where they face a high risk of being killed. Don’t do that, Prime Minister. Grant them asylum. The U.S. will take them if you don’t,” Trump’s message stated.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:cnn