Most of Iran's women's soccer team left Australia on Tuesday, with only seven players having accepted offers of permanent asylum. Tense scenes unfolded at Sydney Airport as Australian officials held last-minute private meetings with each player, explaining through interpreters that they could choose not to return to Iran.
Earlier, seven players had received humanitarian visas to stay in Australia permanently. Despite emotional appeals and tearful protests from the departing players, no additional team members chose to remain. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke described the airport meetings as "emotional," adding that one of the seven women who initially stayed behind later decided to return to Iran.
The episode drew national attention after the team’s first Asian Cup match, where some players remained silent during Iran's national anthem. Their silence was widely interpreted as a protest or act of defiance, while others viewed it as a form of mourning. Burke said the gesture had “been heard as a roar all around the world” and noted that Australia offered the players a safe choice.
The team arrived in Australia before the outbreak of the Iran war on Feb. 28. Following Iran’s exit from the tournament over the weekend, players faced the prospect of returning to a country under conflict. Iranian-Australian groups warned the players could face serious consequences for their actions, even as the players themselves did not publicly explain their silence.
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Australia for not offering asylum, although Australian officials confirmed private discussions with the players had already been ongoing. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities insisted the players were safe and that the government would protect them.
Burke said Australian officials had made every effort to allow players to decide freely, arranging last-minute discussions, private phone calls, and separation from team minders to ensure decisions were made with dignity. The six players remaining in Australia were relocated for security, guaranteed permanent residency, and provided health, housing, and support.
The Asian Football Confederation confirmed the squad had moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where it would continue to receive support until further travel arrangements.