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The stories of the Iranian footballers granted asylum by Australia, and those who went home
Five players sought asylum to avoid persecution after a silent-anthem protest and disciplinary actions, with some earning up to $140,000 annually, officials said.
- On Tuesday, Zahra Ghanbari, Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh and Mona Hamoudi sought asylum in Australia during the team’s trip, with cameras filming Afsaneh Chatrenoor led by the wrist onto a Gold Coast bus.
- Regime anger and past discipline pushed players to fear returning to Iran, as the Islamic regime was angered by the Asian Cup silent-anthem protest and the suspension after a headscarf slip.
- Bam Khatoon club supplies half the national team and pays salaries up to $US140,000, with midfielder Zahra Sarbali being the highest-profile asylum seeker, sources say.
- The asylum-seeking players now face family separation and loss of a solid football salary, and Tony Burke said a player asked to speak with family before leaving.
- Observers warn the departures remove key change makers and playmakers, the heart of Iran's women's football, with half the national team from Bam Khatoon club, potentially weakening the future of Iran's women's team.
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20 Articles
20 Articles
Iranian Footballers Gain Asylum in Australia
The Australian government’s decision to grant asylum to five members of the Iranian women’s national football team and one official shows the importance of protecting courageous athletes who stand up for what they believe.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources20
Leaning Left8Leaning Right4Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution61% Left
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources lean Left
61% Left
L 61%
R 31%
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