Iran women's football team heads to airport as clock ticks on Australia's offer of asylum

"Five players, led by captain Zahra Ghanbari, were formally granted protection in Australia by home affairs minister Tony Burke early on Tuesday morning. The group has already been given an offer to train with A-League Women club Brisbane Roar. Advocates connected to the group believed more including possibly some staff were considering staying in Australia."

"Amnesty International Australia's Zaki Haidari said the players must be given an opportunity to speak to officials at the airport. Customs and immigration officials, as well as Australian Border Force officers, have an opportunity to intervene and remind the team of their rights to seek protection in Australia, he said, adding the offer of protection from the Australian government should be extended to players' families in Iran."

"Refugee advocate and former Socceroo Craig Foster said the players must be given independent legal advice before they leave the country. We have a duty of care to these women now, from between now and when they may leave, that they're all provided with that opportunity, he said on the ABC."

Five Iranian women's football players, led by captain Zahra Ghanbari, were formally granted protection in Australia by home affairs minister Tony Burke. The team arrived at Gold Coast airport with hours remaining before departure, with advocates believing additional players and staff were considering staying. The group received an offer to train with Brisbane Roar. Protesters briefly blocked the team's bus departure. Amnesty International and refugee advocates emphasized that all players must receive independent legal advice and be reminded of their asylum rights at the airport. Home affairs minister Burke confirmed other team members have been offered the option to stay, with further opportunities provided for those wishing to request protection. Legal experts raised concerns about potential exit trafficking violations.

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