Five members of Iran’s women’s national football team have been granted humanitarian visas in Australia after raising concerns about their safety if they returned home. The decision was confirmed by Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, following growing international attention to the players’ situation.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said the government is prepared to support other members of the squad if they also seek assistance. The players had travelled to Australia to compete in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and had faced criticism in Iran after declining to sing their national anthem before one of their matches.
Burke said the humanitarian visas were granted early Tuesday morning, providing the players with temporary protection and a potential pathway to permanent residency. He explained that discussions with the athletes had been ongoing for several days while the team remained in Brisbane following their elimination from the tournament.
Authorities said the players were taken to a secure location by the Australian Federal Police after requesting help. Security checks were also carried out by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation before the visas were approved.
Speaking at a press conference in Brisbane, Burke said Australia wanted the players to feel safe. He added that the same opportunity remains available for other members of the team who may wish to approach Australian officials for assistance.
Albanese said many Australians had been deeply moved by the situation facing the athletes. He noted that the federal police had prepared contingency plans in advance and acted quickly once the players indicated they wanted help.
The issue also drew international attention after US President Donald Trump commented on the situation on social media. Initially criticising Australia’s response, Trump later praised Albanese’s handling of the matter after learning that the players had been granted humanitarian visas.
Speculation about the athletes seeking refuge had intensified after reports that some members of the Iranian team had been labelled “traitors” in their home country. The backlash followed their refusal to sing the national anthem before their opening match of the tournament in Australia.
The situation escalated when it was reported that the players had left their team hotel in Queensland, prompting concern from officials accompanying the squad. Members of the local Iranian community and human rights activists also raised alarm, urging Australian authorities to ensure the athletes’ safety.
