Australia has granted asylum to five members of Iran’s national women’s football team, including captain Zahra Ghanbari, after they sought humanitarian protection while in the country for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The decision came as the regional conflict intensified, prompting the players to approach authorities on the Gold Coast and request safety. Australian officials transported them to a secure location, where Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke approved humanitarian visas allowing them to remain in the country.
The Australian government confirmed the five players as Ghanbari, midfielders Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Sarbali Alishah and Mona Hamoudi, and defender Atefeh Ramezanizadeh. Authorities also stated that the remaining members of the Iranian squad were offered the same option if they wished to stay. Officials described the moment as one of relief for the athletes, acknowledging the personal difficulty of deciding whether to seek asylum away from home.
Tehran responded by urging the players to return. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei criticised the move and appealed directly to the athletes, saying they would be safe in Iran. First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref echoed the assurance, stating that the government would guarantee their security and welcome them back. Iranian state media also reacted strongly, particularly after earlier controversy during the tournament when several players remained silent during the national anthem before a match, a moment that drew international attention.
The situation also drew involvement from Donald Trump, who said he had discussed the matter with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Trump urged that protection be offered if players feared returning home and later said some team members had already been assisted while others remained undecided due to concerns for family members in Iran. Albanese confirmed the conversation and said assistance remained available, but emphasised that the final decision rested with each individual player.
The team had travelled to Australia for the continental tournament, but their participation coincided with escalating hostilities in the Middle East. After their elimination from the competition, uncertainty over returning to a conflict-affected country placed the players in a difficult position. Outside their hotel, demonstrators gathered in support, urging authorities to ensure the athletes’ safety. The episode has since drawn global attention, highlighting the intersection of sport, geopolitics and humanitarian protection.
