Three members of Iran’s women’s national football squad who had sought asylum in Australia have decided to withdraw their applications and return to Iran, according to reports.

The Iranian news agency Fars News Agency said two players and a member of the team’s logistics staff have reversed their earlier decision and will travel back to Iran.

The group had initially applied for asylum while in Australia during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where Iran’s team was competing. Several members of the squad reportedly requested protection visas, saying they feared possible repercussions if they returned to Iran.

The situation attracted wider attention after some players declined to sing the national anthem of Iran before a match during the tournament. The gesture was widely interpreted as a sign of protest.

Authorities in Australia subsequently granted humanitarian visas to several team members who said they were concerned about potential persecution if they returned home.

It remains unclear what prompted the three individuals to withdraw their asylum requests and opt to return to Iran.