Australia Grants Humanitarian Visas, While Some Reports Call It Asylum, To Five Iranian Women Footballers

Australia granted humanitarian visas to five members of Iran's women's national football team after the players left their Gold Coast hotel during the Women's Asian Cup.

“Australia Grants Asylum to Iranian Women Soccer Players Amid Anthem Protest Five Iranian women soccer players received humanitarian visas from Australia after refusing to sing their national anthem, fearing persecution upon return”

Devdiscourse

The players said they feared persecution if returned to Iran.

Devdiscourse

Multiple reports state the visas followed asylum-seeking actions by the athletes and their concern for safety.

"Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five players from the Iranian women's national soccer team after they sought asylum, saying they feared persecution if returned to Iran."

"Five members of Iran's women's national soccer team have been granted humanitarian visas to remain in Australia after a controversy during the Women's Asian Cup, Prime Minister's office and media reported."

"Five members of Iran's women's national football team have been granted Australian humanitarian visas after fears for their safety following their refusal to sing Iran's national anthem before an Asian Cup match against South Korea."

Authorities say the five were quietly moved from their hotel to a secure location and engaged with Australian officials while beginning visa processing.

The government has offered the same option to other team members.

Dhaka Tribune

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the players were moved and began 'the process of securing protection.'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said assistance is available if they choose to accept it, adding, 'They're safe here, and they should feel at home here.'

Australia has granted visas to five players from Iran's women's soccer team after they sought asylum while in the country for the Asian Cup, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

The case drew international attention after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly intervened, warning of danger if the players were returned and later saying the five had been looked after.

“Australia on Tuesday granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women’s football team players after they sought asylum fearing persecution in their home nation”

Firstpost

Several outlets linked the visa decision to U.S. President Donald Trump’s involvement.

Some reports said the visas were issued after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had spoken with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and warned the players would 'likely be killed' if forced back.

Those reports quoted U.S. President Donald Trump as saying five squad members 'have already been taken care of' and that Albanese was handling the 'delicate situation'.

Other outlets said U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged Australia to grant asylum, warning the athletes could face danger if returned to Iran.

One account said the move followed public attention and intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, who had spoken with Albanese, initially criticized Australia’s handling, and later said five players 'have already been taken care of' and others were 'on their way'.

Reports name the five players and describe ongoing uncertainty for the rest of the squad, while unions and officials expressed concern for teammates still in the hotel.

Dhaka Tribune lists the five by name and says they told authorities they wished to remain in Australia after being moved by police: "the players — Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh and Mona Hamoudi — were moved by police to a secure location and, after several days of discussion, told authorities they wished to remain in Australia."

Haaretz

Other reports note the rest of the team remains in a Gold Coast hotel and that FIFPRO welcomed the grants but worried about remaining members: "FIFPRO welcomed the asylum grants as a positive step but expressed concern for the safety of the remaining team members, who are staying in a Gold Coast hotel."

Outlets also say other players were offered the option to stay.

The rest of the squad remains in a hotel, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said assistance is available if they choose to accept it.

The five are now awaiting processing of their applications, and other team members were also offered the option to stay.