Melbourne: Five Iranian women footballers have been granted humanitarian visas by the Australian government after seeking refuge in the country during the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, according to reports.

The players — Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh and Mona Hamoudi — reportedly left their team handlers while staying at a hotel on Australia’s Gold Coast following their participation in the tournament.

Players moved to secure location

The dramatic development reportedly unfolded overnight with the assistance of Australian authorities. The players were helped by officials and later moved to a secure location after expressing fears about returning to Iran.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that humanitarian visas had been approved after an urgent overnight review by the Department of Home Affairs.

Burke said the approval process was completed shortly after 1.30 am following the submission of their applications.

Anthem protest triggered controversy

Concerns over the players’ safety reportedly escalated after members of the Iranian team refused to sing the national anthem before their opening match against South Korea during the tournament.

The act was widely interpreted as a political protest and reportedly drew criticism from Iranian state media, which labelled the players as “traitors”.

After their final group-stage match against the Philippines, some players were also seen making gestures suggesting distress as the team bus departed the stadium.

Members of the Iranian diaspora and human rights activists in Australia called on the government to allow the athletes to remain in the country, warning that they could face punishment if forced to return to Iran.

The situation attracted international attention and sparked calls for humanitarian protection for the players.

Trump raises issue with Australian government

Former US President Donald Trump publicly urged Australia to grant asylum to the players, saying they could face serious risks if they returned to Iran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that sending the players back could endanger their lives and encouraged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to offer them protection.

Trump later praised Albanese’s handling of the situation, saying five players had already been assisted while authorities continued addressing the case.

Some players may still return home

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that five members of the team had sought assistance and were currently safe in Australia.

However, reports suggest that some other players may still choose to return to Iran due to concerns about possible consequences for their families.

The incident has highlighted growing international concern over the safety of Iranian athletes and women activists amid ongoing political tensions involving Iran.
(With AFP inputs)