11.03.2026 01:42
After being eliminated from the Women's Asian Cup held in Australia, the players of the Iran Women's National Football Team set off to return to their country, creating a striking scene at Sydney Airport. It was claimed that some players on the bus carrying the team made SOS signals with their mobile phones, and those moments were captured on camera.
The players of the Iranian National Women's Football Team, participating in the Women's Asian Cup held in Australia, were labeled as "traitors" on Iranian state television for not singing the national anthem before the match against South Korea on March 2.
Three days later, before the second match against Australia, the team saluted by singing the national anthem. Finally, the female footballers, who were eliminated from the tournament after losing 2-0 to the Philippines, set off today to return to their country.
THEY MADE AN SOS SIGN WITH THEIR MOBILE PHONES FROM THE BUS WINDOW
While the team boarded the apron bus at Sydney Airport to reach the plane that would take them, notable moments occurred. It was claimed that some female footballers made an SOS sign with their mobile phones from the bus window. Those moments were captured on camera.
AUSTRALIA HAD GRANTED ASYLUM RIGHTS TO 5 PLAYERS
Following discussions that some players could face mistreatment if sent back to Iran, calls were made for the government to allow the players to stay in Australia. Australian media reported that 5 players from the Iranian Women's National Football Team had separated from the group and sought protection from the Australian Federal Police, requesting assistance from the government.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a social media post that he had a phone conversation with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, indicating that the safety of the Iranian players was being addressed. Trump mentioned that necessary procedures had been initiated for some players to stay in Australia and that asylum rights had been granted to 5 athletes, while noting that some footballers preferred to return to Iran due to concerns about their families' safety.
CALL FROM IRAN TO "RETURN HOME"
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ismail Bekayi called on the players to return to their country, while describing U.S. President Donald Trump's call to the athletes as "impudence and hypocrisy." Bekayi stated, "Don't worry, Iran is waiting for you with open arms. Return home."