10.03.2026 12:53
Australia granted humanitarian visas to 5 players from the Iranian National Women's Football Team, which is in the country for the Women's Asian Cup, allowing them the right to asylum; following the decision, it was announced that the athletes are safe in Australia.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the Canberra government granted asylum rights to 5 players from the Iranian National Women's Football Team located in Australia. It was stated that contact was made with Australia regarding the safety of the athletes.
TRUMP: WE DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH THE AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his social media account that he spoke on the phone with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and addressed the issue of the safety of Iranian football players. Trump stated that the necessary procedures were initiated for some players to stay in Australia and that 5 athletes were granted asylum rights by being issued humanitarian visas. Trump also noted that some players preferred to return to Iran due to concerns about the safety of their families.
STATEMENT FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also announced on his social media account that humanitarian visas were granted to 5 players from the Iranian National Women's Football Team. Albanese stated that the mentioned athletes are safe in Australia.
ASLYUM REQUEST AFTER ANTHEM CRISIS
Players of the Iranian National Women's Football Team, participating in the Women's Asian Cup held in Australia, remained silent while the Iranian national anthem was played before a match, which drew reactions in Iran. Later, players who sang the national anthem in the second and third matches requested authorities to ensure their safety after the last match of the tournament. It was reported that 5 players separated from the group and applied for asylum, and were taken to a safe place by the police.
TRUMP HAD MADE A CALL
U.S. President Donald Trump previously stated that sending Iranian football players back to Iran could pose a serious risk and called on the Australian government to grant asylum rights. Trump said, "Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iranian National Women's Football Team to be sent back to Iran, where they will likely be killed. Prime Minister, grant them asylum rights. If you do not, the U.S. will accept them," he stated.