The Australian government has granted humanitarian visas to five members of the Iranian women’s national football team after the athletes staged a silent protest during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The decision, finalised early Tuesday morning, follows reports that the players faced severe threats from Iranian state media, which labelled them "wartime traitors" for refusing to sing the national anthem.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that captain Zahra Ghanbari and four teammates—Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Sarbali, Mona Hamoudi, and Atefeh Ramezani-Zadeh—were moved to a secure location by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The players had reportedly escaped their team hotel on the Gold Coast to seek protection from Australian authorities after being shadowed by regime-connected minders.
"Last night I was able to tell five women from the Iranian Women’s Soccer team that they are welcome to stay in Australia, to be safe and have a home here," Burke stated during a press conference. He noted that while the five women have already accepted protection, the offer remains open to the rest of the 26-member squad, though many fear for the safety of families remaining in Iran.
The diplomatic situation escalated overnight when U.S. President Donald Trump intervened, urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese via social media and a direct phone call to provide a safe haven. Trump cautioned that the athletes would "most likely be killed" if forced to return to Tehran. Following the call, the President praised the Australian leader on Truth Social, stating that Albanese was "on it" and that the players had been "taken care of."
Prime Minister Albanese described the situation as "delicate" but reaffirmed Australia's commitment to the athletes' safety. He emphasised that the government had made its offer of support clear and would respect the individual choices of the remaining players.
The global players' union, FIFPRO, and human rights advocates have supported the move, citing the immediate risks posed by the ongoing regional conflict and the regime’s crackdown on dissent. Meanwhile, the five players have already received an invitation to train with the Brisbane Roar, marking the beginning of their new lives in the Australian sporting community.