Australia Grants Asylum to Five Iranian Women Footballers

Five members of Iran’s women’s football team have been granted asylum in Australia after requesting protection while visiting the country for a tournament.

The players had travelled to the Gold Coast for the competition when the war involving Iran began, prompting them to seek refuge.

According to Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, the women were moved by police from their hotel to a secure location after making the asylum request. The minister later met with them, and the processing of their humanitarian visas was completed.

Burke said the decision was an emotional one for the players, noting that their reactions reflected both relief and excitement about starting a new life in Australia. He also shared photos on social media showing the footballers smiling and applauding as the documents confirming their asylum were signed.

The development followed calls from Iranian groups in Australia and from U.S. President Donald Trump urging the Australian government to assist the athletes.

The players had drawn public attention earlier when they did not sing Iran’s national anthem before their first match in Australia. Despite the speculation surrounding the gesture, Burke said the footballers stressed that they were not political activists.

The women also agreed that their names and photographs could be made public following the approval of their asylum applications.