Five members of the Iranian women's football team have been granted humanitarian visas in Australia after their elimination in the Asian Cup.
They are seeking asylum due to fears of persecution if they return home. The players - Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh, and Mona Hamoudi - were part of the team that participated in the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia.
The controversy began when the team refused to sing Iran's national anthem during the tournament, sparking backlash from Iranian state media. The players reportedly faced threats and intimidation, prompting them to seek help from Australian authorities. Immigration Minister Tony Burke said the women "were moved to a safe location" by Australian police and are welcome to stay in the country.
The decision to grant humanitarian visas was made after the players expressed concerns about their safety if they returned to Iran. Burke stated that the players are not political activists, but athletes who want to be safe. The Australian government has offered permanent protection to the five players through its humanitarian visa programme, allowing them to live, work, and study in the country.
The remaining team members were taken to Gold Coast Airport and were expected to fly back to Iran. However, Burke emphasized that the same opportunity to stay in Australia is available to them as well. The players reportedly faced restrictions while in Australia, including being escorted to meals and not being allowed to walk around their hotel unaccompanied.
The Australian government has taken a supportive stance, with Burke stating that the country has "taken the Iranian women's soccer team into our hearts". The fate of the players' families in Iran however remains uncertain, with concerns about potential repercussions.
SOURCE: BBC
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