"They were given a choice. In that situation what we made sure of was that there was no rushing, there was no pressure. Those who have sought asylum received temporary humanitarian visas, which have a pathway to permanent residency in Australia."
"The pair has been reunited with five players who were granted humanitarian visas a day earlier. One of those in the later group was a player and the other a team staffer, and both sought asylum before their teammates were transported to the airport."
"As the women passed through security at Australia's border, they were each taken aside individually by Australian officials and interpreters, without minders present, and were made offers of asylum."
Seven members of Iran's women's soccer team were granted asylum in Australia during their departure following the Women's Asian Cup tournament. Two team members received humanitarian visas before the main group departed, and five others were granted visas the day prior. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that departing players were individually offered asylum by officials without minders present, ensuring no pressure or rushing. Those granted asylum received temporary humanitarian visas with pathways to permanent residency. The team's return to Iran occurred amid protests from Iranian Australians concerned for the players' safety, as the country faced ongoing conflict that began February 28.
Read at ESPN.com
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