18.03.2026 19:40
After the controversies during the Asian Cup, some players of the Iran Women's National Football Team, who applied for asylum, returned to their country via Turkey. A ceremony was held for the female footballers, who remained in the country's agenda for a long time, and they were welcomed like heroes in Iran. Only 2 players from the team stayed in Australia and began training with the Brisbane Roar team.
After the controversies that occurred during the Women's Asian Cup held in Australia, some players of the Iranian Women's National Football Team, who applied for asylum, returned to their country via Turkey.
The Iranian players reached Turkey via Oman and Kuala Lumpur. The group that arrived in Istanbul on Tuesday evening then proceeded to Iğdır. The players who landed at Iğdır Airport later entered Iran through the Gürbulak-Bazargan Border Gate by road.
TWO PLAYERS DID NOT RETURN
It was learned that 7 members of the delegation applied for asylum in Australia during the tournament. However, 5 of these individuals later withdrew their requests and rejoined the team. It was reported that two players remained in Australia. Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanizadeh stayed in Australia and began training with the Brisbane Roar team.
ANTHEM BOYCOTT CRISIS
The players of the Iranian Women's National Football Team did not sing the national anthem during the opening match of the tournament, which caused a significant reaction in the international community. At that time, the athletes were harshly criticized by some officials in Iran.
MUTUAL ACCUSATIONS
Human rights organizations accused the Iranian government of exerting pressure on athletes abroad. Allegations arose regarding threats of sanctions against the relatives of athletes who left the country or made anti-government statements.
The Iranian authorities accused Australia of forcing the players to stay in the country.
WARNING FROM THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
The Iranian Prosecutor's Office announced on March 9 that Iranian citizens living abroad could face legal sanctions if they support the USA and Israel. The statement indicated that the assets of these individuals could be confiscated.
THEY WERE WELCOMED LIKE HEROES
The athletes, who were previously labeled as "traitors," were met with a change of rhetoric by Iranian officials when they decided to return to their country. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf described the athletes as "children of the homeland," defining their return as "a patriotic decision that disappointed the enemies."