US Edition
Australia grants visas to more members of Iranian women's football team
Seven Iranian women footballers received 12-month humanitarian visas in Australia amid fears of persecution after refusing to sing Iran's anthem, officials said.
- On March 11, 2026, Australia granted temporary humanitarian visas to seven members of the Iranian women's football team, valid for 12 months with a pathway to permanent residency.
- Fearing reprisals after anthem silence, Iranian state television labelled players "wartime traitors" following the national anthem incident, raising safety concerns as the team was knocked out on March 8 amid the Iran war.
- Australian officials separated players from minders and interviewed them individually at Sydney airport with interpreters, while police transported five players from Gold Coast to a safe location after asylum requests.
- All those who reached the airport elected to return to Iran, with the team now in Kuala Lumpur, while one individual who reversed their asylum decision contacted the Iranian embassy.
- U.S. President Donald Trump urged Australia to grant asylum, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese discussed the case with him, Iran warned of 2026 World Cup disruption, and advocates urged revoking visas of handlers.
47 Articles
47 Articles
Following a protest against the Iranian regime, Iran's female footballers received protection in Australia. However, not all of them dared to make a fresh start.
Iran's women's football team returns home after his silent protest at the Asia Cup. Many cry when they leave. Dramatic scenes take place and life decisions are made, eyewitnesses report. Six female players stay in Australia.
2 More Iranian Soccer Players Granted Asylum in Australia
Two additional members of Iran’s women’s national football team will remain in Australia after accepting an offer of protection from the government, taking the number granted humanitarian visas to seven. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that a player and a member of the support staff chose not to leave the country with the rest of the squad. “With the assistance of the Australian Federal Police they were separated from the rest of the …
"We support you": Iranian women's football team members take up visa offer amid fears over return
The Australian government has granted humanitarian visas to seven members of the Iranian National women's football team to stay in Australia. Amid relief from the supporters within the community and fears for the remaining players, critics say the government's proposed visa legislation will leave other visa holders in the region stranded.
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