Australia grants asylum to five Iranian women footballers after hotel escape

Five players from Iran’s women’s national football team have been granted asylum in Australia after leaving their team hotel with the help of police, according to the country’s interior minister.

Tony Burke said authorities moved the players from their hotel to a secure location before approving their request to remain in Australia for protection.

The players reportedly stayed silent during the national anthem before a match against South Korea, days after the start of military attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, an act widely interpreted as a protest.

Iran’s state television later labeled the players “traitors during wartime” and called for punishment, raising fears about their safety if they returned to Iran.

The five players; Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Mona Hamoudi, Atefeh Ramazani‑zadeh, and Fatemeh Pasandideh—requested protection after leaving the team’s accommodation.

Australian authorities said discussions over their asylum request had been ongoing for several days before the players were moved to safety by the Australian Federal Police.

According to reports, immigration officials finalized humanitarian visas for the players early Tuesday morning, allowing them to stay in Australia under protection.

The interior minister also said asylum offers remain open to 21 other members of Iran’s women’s national team still staying at the team hotel.

Burke said the remaining players are facing a difficult decision about whether to return home or seek protection abroad, emphasizing that Australia would support those choosing safety.

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