Australia has granted asylum to some of Iran’s visiting women’s soccer team over fears they face persecution at home for not singing the national anthem before a match, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says.
Iranian players’ gesture ahead of an Asian Cup tournament match in Australia last week was widely seen as an act of defiance against the Islamic Republic.
Five players escaped the team hotel on Australia’s Gold Coast overnight, holing up in a “safe location” while lodging their claims for asylum, Burke says.
“They were moved to a safe location by Australian police. I signed off last night on their applications for humanitarian visas,” he tells reporters.
“They are welcome to stay in Australia, and they are safe here, and should feel at home here.”
US President Donald Trump earlier said he had spoken with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to confirm the women were safe.
“I just spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, of Australia, concerning the Iranian National Women’s Soccer Team. He’s on it! Five have already been taken care of,” Trump said on his Truth Social network, less than two hours after an initial post urging Australia to take them in.
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