Five members of Iran’s women’s national football team have been granted humanitarian visas (asylum) in Australia after requesting protection while attending a tournament in the country.
The Australian government confirmed that the players were relocated from their team hotel on the Gold Coast to a secure location, where their visas were processed following their appeal for protection.
The athletes reportedly feared persecution upon returning to Iran, especially after being criticized on Iranian state television for refusing to sing the national anthem during a Women’s Asian Cup match earlier in the tournament.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the women are “safe here” and added that Australia is willing to assist any other team members who may wish to seek asylum.
The players were escorted by Australian federal police, and their visas were finalized after discussions with government officials.
Humanitarian visas generally provide temporary protection, with the possibility of later qualifying for permanent residency.
Former Australian footballer and human rights advocate Craig Foster welcomed the decision, calling it “an important humanitarian step to protect the athletes and uphold human rights for women facing threats in their home country.”
