Iranian women’s soccer team to depart Malaysia for Oman after asylum reversal

By AP 16 March 2026, 12:10 pm

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Members of Iran's women's soccer team arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport after taking part in the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 tournament in Australia, in Sepang, Malaysia, on March 11, 2026. (Mohd RASFAN / AFP)

The Iranian women’s soccer team is set to leave Malaysia tonight, ending days of uncertainty after most of the seven squad members who sparked a diplomatic furor by seeking asylum in Australia reversed their decisions and rejoined the team in Kuala Lumpur.

Asian Football Confederation general secretary Windsor John tells The Associated Press that the team’s departure is arranged by the Iranian embassy. He said the AFC, which is supporting the Iranian team in Kuala Lumpur, has been told they are flying to Oman but that isn’t their final destination. He says he isn’t aware of their full travel plans.

Asked if the confederation is satisfied that the women will be safe back in Iran, Windsor says both the AFC and FIFA will check up on them regularly with the Iranian football federation “as they are our girls as well.”

The squad flew from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur on March 10 after being knocked out of the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, initially leaving behind six players and a support staff member who had accepted protection visas.

Four players and the staffer have since rejoined the team in Kuala Lumpur, the latest flying in today. No reasons have been given for the changes of heart. The Iranian diaspora in Australia blames pressure from Tehran.

Windsor said at a news conference earlier that his confederation had not received any direct complaints from players about returning home, despite media reports their families in Iran could face retaliation for the team failing to sing their national anthem before the opening match.

Two team members remain in Australia,

Australian Assistant Immigration Minister Matt Thistlethwaite describes the women’s plight in Australia as a “very complex situation.”

“These are deeply personal decisions, and the government respects the decisions of those that have chosen to return. And we continue to offer support to the two that are remaining,” Thistlethwaite says.

Those who have stayed in Australia have been moved to an undisclosed safe location and are receiving assistance from the government and the Iranian diaspora community, he says.