Australia Grants Humanitarian Visas to 5 Iranian Women's Football Players Before Asian Cup
In an unprecedented move, Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five players from the Iranian women's national football team after they refused to return to their home country, amid fears for their lives, following their participation in the 2026 Women's Asian Cup held in Australia.
The players were transported from their hotel in Gold Coast, Australia to a "safe location" by Australian Federal Police officers in the early morning hours, as authorities finalized the humanitarian visa process, according to Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, who spoke to reporters in Brisbane.
This step came after U.S. President Donald Trump urged the Australian government not to return the players to Iran, indicating that their return could expose them to a near-certain risk of death. He wrote on his platform "Truth Social" that Australia was "making a grave humanitarian mistake" and urged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to grant the players asylum, expressing the United States' willingness to welcome them if Australia did not act.
These developments follow escalating tensions in Iran due to U.S.-Israeli strikes, where Iranian state television labeled the players as "traitors in wartime," threatening them with severe consequences for refusing to sing the national anthem during their opening match in the tournament.
It is noted that the Iranian team arrived in Australia last month to participate in the Women's Asian Cup but was eliminated from the tournament over the weekend after losing to the Philippines women's team.
According to the Australian minister, "the rest of the team members are welcome to stay in Australia," opening the door for additional protection for the remaining players if they wish to stay.
