16.03.2026 11:40
One more player from the Iranian Women's National Football Team, who applied for asylum in Australia, has withdrawn her application. As a result of this development, only two of the footballers who applied for asylum continue to stay in Australia. The five who withdrew are expected to rejoin the Iranian Women's National Team. The Iranian Football Federation announced that they expect the team to return to Tehran shortly.
A significant development has occurred regarding the players of the Iranian Women's National Football Team who wish to seek asylum in Australia. According to the latest information, one more player among those who applied for asylum has withdrawn her application.
ONLY TWO PLAYERS REMAIN
With the latest development, it has been reported that only two of the players who applied for asylum in Australia last week continue to stay in the country. It is stated that the five players who withdrew their applications are expected to rejoin the Iranian Women's National Team, which is located in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.
CLAIM OF TENSION AFTER NOT SINGING THE ANTHEM
It was claimed that Iranian players faced threats in their country after they did not sing the national anthem before a match played as part of the Asian Cup. Following these developments, six players and one team official applied for asylum in Australia due to concerns that they could face pressure and punishment if they returned to Iran.
STATEMENT FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
Australian Deputy Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite stated in an interview with Sky News that they respect the decision of those who prefer to return to Iran. Thistlethwaite also noted that necessary support will continue to be provided to the two individuals who prefer to stay in Australia.
IRAN: THE TEAM WILL RETURN TO TEHRAN
The Iranian Football Federation announced in a statement that the national team is expected to return to Tehran shortly. The statement emphasized that the players will "reunite with their families and homeland."
AFC: PRESSURE CLAIMS UNVERIFIED
Windsor John, Secretary General of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), stated that the claims regarding the players' families facing pressure in Iran could not be verified. John expressed that the players did not communicate any concerns regarding their safety and that the team's morale is high.