Three more members of the Iranian women's national football team have changed their minds and withdrawn their asylum requests in Australia. Iranian authorities said, "Their patriotic spirit has overcome the enemy's plans."
On 14 Mar 2026 GMT+7, three female members of the Iranian team, who had previously been granted humanitarian visas to stay in Australia, decided to "change their minds" and no longer seek asylum there. They will return to their homeland, leaving only three team members still seeking asylum in Australia.
The Iranian women's national football team traveled to Australia to compete in the Asian Football Championship. However, they collectively remained silent and did not sing the national anthem at the Asian Cup opening match on 2 Mar. This led to hardline religious groups in Iran branding them as "traitors in times of war," raising concerns they would face severe punishment if they returned.
Initially, seven team members applied for asylum in Australia, but later one withdrew their request, followed by these recent three, leaving only three members who continue to confirm their asylum claims.
Australia's Minister for Home Affairs confirmed the decision, stating that the Australian government has done everything possible to ensure these women have opportunities for a safe future in Australia.
"Australians should be proud that it is in our country where these women have experienced a nation offering them real choices and interacted with officials ready to assist them," Tony Burke said in a statement.
"While the Australian government can guarantee that opportunities are offered and communicated, we cannot eliminate the context and circumstances the players face in making this very difficult decision."
Iran's Ministry of Sports also confirmed this news after Tasnim News Agency, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was the first to report it.
"The national spirit and patriotism of the Iranian women's national football team have overcome the enemy's plans against this team," the statement said, also accusing the Australian government of "playing Trump's game."
Tasnim News Agency further reported that the three are traveling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to join the remaining team members and are "returning to the warm embrace of their families and homeland after withdrawing their asylum requests in Australia." It added they endured "psychological warfare, widespread propaganda, and tempting offers."
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Source:bbc