Five members of Iran’s national women’s football team have been granted asylum in Australia after being quietly extracted from their hotel by police. The team members had refused to sing Iran’s national anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup.
Australia’s Interior Minister Tony Burke confirmed that the players had been moved to a secure location by the Australian Federal Police late Monday night after requesting protection.
The athletes, including team captain Zahra Ghanbari, had reportedly been considering asylum for several days while competing in the continental tournament. Their decision came after they were labelled wartime traitors in Iranian media and social media for refusing to sing the national anthem before a match in the AFC Women's Asian Cup.
Players Granted Asylum
The five footballers granted asylum are, Zahra Ghanbari (33) – team captain and Iran’s all-time top scorer in women’s international football, Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Mona Hamoudi, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh.
Burke said Australian authorities had been monitoring the situation closely after concerns emerged about the players’ safety.
Team Under Government Watch
Australian media reported that the Iranian squad had been accompanied throughout the tournament by government officials who monitored their movements while they stayed at a hotel in the coastal city of Gold Coast.
The team arrived in Australia as geopolitical tensions escalated in the Middle East following reported air strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Against that backdrop, the players’ silent protest before kickoff quickly drew political attention.
The Iranian government has required athletes representing the country to sing the national anthem at international competitions, and public refusal has often triggered investigations or punishment at home.
Four of the defecting players are teammates at Bam Khatoon FC, the most successful club in Iranian women’s football with 11 league titles. Ghanbari previously played there before transferring this season to Persepolis FC.
Ghanbari has previously clashed with Iranian sporting authorities. In 2024 she was suspended after her hijab slipped off during a goal celebration in an Asian club match, a violation of Iran’s strict dress regulations for female athletes. She was reinstated only after issuing a public apology alongside Bam Khatoon.
Burke said the Australian government has left the door open for the rest of the Iranian squad.
Twenty-one other team members remained at the team hotel as of Tuesday, and authorities indicated they could also seek asylum if they wished.
However, officials believe some players may choose to return to Iran.
The five women currently under police protection are expected to begin the formal refugee resettlement process while remaining at an undisclosed secure location.Australia Grants Asylum to 5 Irani Women Footballers
By Neel Mani Lal
Five members of Iran’s national women’s football team have been granted asylum in Australia after being quietly extracted from their hotel by police. The team members had refused to sing Iran’s national anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup.
Australia’s Interior Minister Tony Burke confirmed that the players had been moved to a secure location by the Australian Federal Police late Monday night after requesting protection.
The athletes, including team captain Zahra Ghanbari, had reportedly been considering asylum for several days while competing in the continental tournament. Their decision came after they were labelled wartime traitors in Iranian media and social media for refusing to sing the national anthem before a match in the AFC Women's Asian Cup.
Players Granted Asylum
The five footballers granted asylum are, Zahra Ghanbari (33) – team captain and Iran’s all-time top scorer in women’s international football, Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Mona Hamoudi, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh.
Burke said Australian authorities had been monitoring the situation closely after concerns emerged about the players’ safety.
Team Under Government Watch
Australian media reported that the Iranian squad had been accompanied throughout the tournament by government officials who monitored their movements while they stayed at a hotel in the coastal city of Gold Coast.
The team arrived in Australia as geopolitical tensions escalated in the Middle East following reported air strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Against that backdrop, the players’ silent protest before kickoff quickly drew political attention.
The Iranian government has required athletes representing the country to sing the national anthem at international competitions, and public refusal has often triggered investigations or punishment at home.
Four of the defecting players are teammates at Bam Khatoon FC, the most successful club in Iranian women’s football with 11 league titles. Ghanbari previously played there before transferring this season to Persepolis FC.
Ghanbari has previously clashed with Iranian sporting authorities. In 2024 she was suspended after her hijab slipped off during a goal celebration in an Asian club match, a violation of Iran’s strict dress regulations for female athletes. She was reinstated only after issuing a public apology alongside Bam Khatoon.
Burke said the Australian government has left the door open for the rest of the Iranian squad.
Twenty-one other team members remained at the team hotel as of Tuesday, and authorities indicated they could also seek asylum if they wished.
However, officials believe some players may choose to return to Iran.
The five women currently under police protection are expected to begin the formal refugee resettlement process while remaining at an undisclosed secure location.