NewKerala.com

Iranian Women Soccer Players Granted Asylum in Australia After Protest

The Australian government has granted humanitarian visas to two more Iranian women's soccer players, allowing them to stay safely in the country. This brings the total to seven players who sought protection after reportedly escaping from their team handlers following the AFC Women's Asian Cup. Their actions stem from fears of punishment in Iran after the team refused to sing the national anthem in a perceived protest. Australian authorities, including the Prime Minister, have welcomed the players and confirmed their safety.

Key Points: Iranian Footballers Get Australian Humanitarian Visas

  • Humanitarian visas granted after protest
  • Players escaped team handlers
  • Feared punishment in Iran
  • Act was seen as defiance
2 min read

Two more Iranian women soccer players granted Humanitarian visas by Australian government

Two more Iranian women soccer players receive Australian humanitarian visas after team's protest, joining five teammates granted safety.

"They will be safe here. They will be at home here. They are welcome here in Australia. - Tony Burke"

Canberra, March 11

Two more Iranian women soccer players have been granted Humanitarian Visas by the Austrialian government, allowing them to stay in the country while the conflict in West Asia continues.

Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke wrote in a post on X, "Later in the evening, they were reunited with their five teammates who had made the same decision the night before. They will be safe here. They will be at home here. They are welcome here in Australia."

Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the Iranian soccer players who had been granted humanitarian visas to stay in Australia are safe in the country.

"Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They're safe here, and they should feel at home here,'' Albanese said.

The players - Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh and Mona Hamoudi - reportedly escaped from team handlers at a hotel on Australia's Gold Coast following their participation in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, reported Channel 9 News. The dramatic operation unfolded overnight, with the players assisted by Australian authorities before being moved to a secure location.

Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that humanitarian visas had been approved after a late-night process by the Department of Home Affairs.

"I signed off last night for their applications to go onto humanitarian visas and a little bit after 1.30am this morning the processing was completed by the Department of Home Affairs," Burke said.

The players had travelled to Australia for the continental tournament but concerns about their safety emerged after the team refused to sing the Iranian national anthem ahead of their opening match against South Korea. The act was widely interpreted as a sign of protest and sparked backlash from Iranian state media, which reportedly labelled the players as "traitors."

Following their final group-stage match against the Philippines, reports indicated that some players made gestures signalling distress as the team bus left the stadium. Activists and members of the Iranian diaspora in Australia also urged authorities to allow the athletes to remain in the country, citing fears they could face punishment if forced to return to Iran.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move by the Australian government. Sports should be free from political pressure. These women are athletes first. In India, we've seen how politics can interfere with sports too. Hope they find peace and can continue their careers.
A
Aman W
While I sympathize with their situation, I hope Australia applies the same humanitarian standards consistently and not just for high-profile cases. There are many refugees from our own region who face similar dangers but don't get this fast-tracked help.
S
Sarah B
The image of them making distress signals from the bus is heartbreaking. No one should fear their own government for a silent protest. Australia has done the right thing. Safety and human rights come first.
V
Vikram M
It's a complex issue. On one hand, it's about basic freedom. On the other, it sets a precedent where athletes use international tournaments to seek asylum. Could affect future sporting events and visas for athletes from certain countries. But ultimately, humanity wins here.
K
Kavya N
Bravo to these brave women! Refusing to sing the anthem took guts. In a way, it reminds me of the protests by our own athletes sometimes. Sports and politics are sadly intertwined. Hope they thrive in their new home. 🏆

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50