At least seven members of Iran’s women’s football team are now seeking asylum in Australia after five players were taken from team accommodation and given humanitarian visas in a late night operation supported by Australian authorities.
The first five asked for protection because they feared they could be punished at home after the team refused to sing the national anthem during the Women’s Asian Cup and after Iranian state television called them traitors.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the women were moved to a secure location on Monday night and that the offer to stay in Australia was still open to others in the touring party.
Burke also said each player was given the chance to speak privately with officials and make her own decision away from outside pressure.
The five players who had already been granted visas as captain Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Mona Hamoudi, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh.
The latest development came as most of the remaining group seemed to leave Australia on Tuesday. The team and staff were escorted through Sydney airport before boarding a flight to Malaysia while at least one of the players who stayed behind refused to board at the last minute.
Supporters had gathered in the hope that more players would stay in Australia and there were tense scenes as the group moved under heavy security.
Iran’s campaign ended after a 2 nil loss to the Philippines on Sunday, leaving the players to consider returning to a country now caught up in war and political turmoil.
The international players’ union FIFPRO said it was deeply concerned and had been working with football authorities and the Australian government to protect the team and make sure players could decide what happened next.
For the women now seeking refuge that decision has already changed the course of their lives.
