Iranian women’s football player in Australia reverses asylum claim after talking with teammates
Members of Iran's women's football team walk as they arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport after taking part in the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 tournament in Australia. — AFP pic
Wednesday, 11 Mar 2026 1:33 PM MYT
SYDNEY, March 11 — An Iranian women’s football team member who sought sanctuary in Australia has changed her mind after speaking with teammates, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said today.
Seven members of Iran’s visiting women’s football team had claimed asylum in Australia after they were branded “traitors” at home over a pre-match protest.
One player and one support member sought sanctuary before the side flew out of Sydney to Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday evening in emotional scenes, joining five other athletes who had already claimed asylum.
Burke said in parliament on Wednesday that he had since been advised one of the group “had spoken to some of the team mates that left and changed their mind”.
“She had been advised by her teammates and encouraged to contact the Iranian embassy,” he said.
“As a result of that, it meant the Iranian embassy now knew the location of where everybody was.”
The remaining players have been moved from a safe house to another location, he said.
The travelling squad arrived in Malaysia early Wednesday morning after flying out from Sydney, AFP photos at Kuala Lumpur International Airport showed.
There were fears male minders travelling with the team might try to prevent other women seeking asylum.
Burke said each player was separated from the squad at Sydney Airport and given time to mull the offer in private.
Australian officials had “made sure this was her decision,” he said, referring to the Iran team member who had changed her mind. — AFP
Likely changed their minds after being threatened by Iranian officials, especially threats against their family.
ReplyDeleteBadly managed by the Australian government. They should not have been exposed to further threats from Iranian officials.
For those who say this military action is illegal because US Congress did not declare war…..
ReplyDeleteKey military conflicts not formally authorized by a Congressional declaration of war include:
The Korean War (1950–1953): Initiated as a "police action" under the United Nations rather than by a congressional declaration.
The Vietnam War (roughly 1964–1975): While the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution provided authorization, it was not a formal declaration of war.
The War in Afghanistan (2001–2021): Initiated via AUMF, not a declaration of war.
The Iraq War (2003–2011): Initiated via AUMF, not a declaration of war.
Kosovo (1999): NATO-led operation in which the U.S. participated without a formal declaration.
Libya (2011): Military action taken without a formal declaration.
that tells u how the yankee defines rules,based,international order!
DeleteTo me if a country Jerit “Death to You” for 50 years it means they declared war on me.
ReplyDeleteso?
DeleteGo fight them lah. Don't just playing c&p rubbish
'threatened by Iranian officials, especially threats against their family'
ReplyDelete????!!!!!
Mfer, none has been spoken to any Iranian officials in Oz. They gathered all their (mis)information via social media & western reports.
'Badly managed by the Australian government'
!!!!???
Mfer, personal choice means nothing to u.