Five members of Iran’s women’s national football team have received humanitarian visas in Australia after concerns were raised about their safety following their refusal to sing the Iranian national anthem during an Asian Cup match.
Australia’s Immigration Minister Tony Burke said the players were moved to a secure location by police before their visa applications were approved early Tuesday. He confirmed the athletes as Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh and Mona Hamoudi.
Burke said the players had stressed that they were not political activists but athletes seeking safety. After several days of discussions, authorities were informed on Monday that the five women wanted to remain in Australia. They were subsequently taken from their hotel to a secure place, where the minister later approved their transition to humanitarian visas around 1:30am local time.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later confirmed the decision, while the government said the remaining members of the team would also be allowed to stay if they chose to do so. Humanitarian visas in Australia provide long-term protection and allow recipients to live, work and study in the country.
Concerns over the team’s safety intensified after the players declined to sing the national anthem before their Asian Cup match against South Korea last week. The move sparked criticism from conservative voices in Iran, with some commentators calling the players “traitors” and demanding punishment.
Supporters gathered outside the stadium in Gold Coast over the weekend, chanting “save our girls” as the team bus left the venue. Activists and members of Australia’s Iranian community have urged authorities to offer protection to players who fear repercussions if they return home.
The issue also drew international attention after US President Donald Trump publicly called on Australia to grant asylum to the players, saying the United States would consider accepting them if Australia did not.
Human rights advocates said athletes competing in international tournaments should have the freedom to express themselves without fear of retaliation. Former Australian football captain Craig Foster said activists had serious concerns about the safety of the players, many of whom have families in Iran.
Despite strong support from fans, it remains unclear whether other members of the Iranian squad will also seek protection or return to Iran after the tournament.
With inputs from BBC