5 Iranian women footballers granted humanitarian visas in Australia
The decision follows the team's anthem protest and concerns for players’ safety after the Asian Cup tournament
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five members of Iran’s women’s national football team after concerns were raised about their safety following a protest during the national anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup.
The players had drawn international attention after declining to sing the Iranian national anthem before their opening match against South Korea. The silence was widely interpreted as a protest, prompting criticism from some commentators in Iran, including accusations that the players were “wartime traitors.”
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the players were moved by police to a secure location after deciding they wanted to remain in the country rather than return to Iran. “Last night, I was able to tell five members of the Iranian women's soccer team that they are welcome to stay in Australia, that they are safe here, and that they should feel at home here,” Burke said.
The players were identified as Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi. Burke said discussions had been ongoing for several days before it became clear on Monday that the five athletes wanted to stay in Australia. They were transported from their hotel on the Gold Coast to a safe location by the Australian Federal Police, where their humanitarian visas were finalized early Tuesday.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese confirmed the decision, saying the government had prepared for the possibility that some players might seek assistance. “Late last night, we issued five humanitarian visas to members of the Iranian women's soccer team,” Albanese said. “Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They're safe here, and they should feel at home here.”
The Iranian team had arrived in Australia last month to compete in the Women’s Asian Cup before the conflict involving Iran escalated. The squad, which reportedly included about 20 players, was eliminated from the tournament over the weekend and was preparing to return home when concerns about their safety intensified.
Burke said other members of the team would still have the opportunity to seek assistance if they wished. “I say to the other members of the team, the same opportunity is there,” he said, adding that the athletes were “tremendously popular in Australia” but faced “a terribly difficult situation with the decisions that they’re making.”