Three members of the Iran women’s national football team who had earlier sought protection in Australia have withdrawn their asylum requests and decided to return home, according to government officials. The move reduces the number of team members remaining in Australia under humanitarian protection to three out of an original group of seven.
Authorities said the trio, two players and a technical staff member, informed officials of their decision after initially accepting humanitarian visas that allowed them to remain in Australia following the team’s participation in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The players later departed Sydney for Kuala Lumpur, where the rest of the squad had travelled after the tournament, before continuing their journey back to Iran.
The returning members were identified as Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Sarbali and technical staff member Zahra Meshkehkar. Officials said the individuals were given repeated opportunities to reconsider their decision and were provided with information about available protection options before leaving the country.
The asylum issue emerged after several members of the Iranian women’s team raised concerns about potential repercussions at home. The players had drawn international attention during the tournament after refusing to sing Iran’s national anthem in one of their matches, a gesture widely interpreted as a protest linked to political tensions and ongoing unrest involving Iran.
Following the team’s elimination from the competition, multiple players sought refuge with Australian authorities, citing fears of retaliation if they returned to Iran. Australian officials subsequently granted humanitarian visas to several members of the squad, allowing them to remain in the country while their situation was assessed.
However, the situation shifted as some of those who initially accepted protection later reversed their decisions. With the latest departures, four of the original seven individuals who had sought protection have now chosen to return to Iran, leaving three still in Australia under humanitarian visas.
The developments have sparked concern among activists and members of the Iranian diaspora, who fear the athletes could face pressure or repercussions upon returning home. Some supporters have also alleged that intimidation or family pressure may have influenced the players’ decisions, though such claims have not been independently verified.
Iranian state-linked media outlets have portrayed the players’ decision to return as a rejection of what they described as foreign political pressure, framing the episode as a symbolic victory for the country.
Meanwhile, Australian authorities have reiterated that the athletes were offered protection and support while in the country and were free to choose whether to remain or return home. Officials stressed that while assistance was provided, the government could not alter the broader circumstances influencing the players’ decisions.
The case has drawn global attention as it highlights the complex intersection of international sport, politics, and personal safety concerns faced by athletes competing abroad.