Captain of Iran's women's team withdraws Australia asylum bid: State media

"Zahra Ghanbari will fly from Malaysia and travel to Iran within the next few hours, the IRNA news agency said on Sunday. Three players and one backroom staff member had already withdrawn their bids for asylum and travelled to Malaysia from Australia, where the team participated in the AFC Women's Asian Cup."

"Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said his country had offered asylum to all players and support staff members prior to their departure over fears they might be punished upon their return home after the team refused to sing Iran's national anthem at the tournament."

"Five players took up the offer and signed immigration papers last week, with one more player and a member of staff joining them a day later. It leaves two Iranian players in Australia, where they have been promised asylum and an opportunity to settle."

Zahra Ghanbari, captain of Iran's women's football team, has withdrawn her asylum application in Australia and will return to Iran from Malaysia. She is the fifth member of the delegation to reverse an asylum request following the team's participation in the AFC Women's Asian Cup. Seven team members initially sought asylum in Australia after the squad refused to sing Iran's national anthem during the tournament, citing concerns about potential punishment upon return. Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the country had offered asylum to all players and support staff before their departure. Five players signed immigration papers, with one additional player and staff member joining them later. Two Iranian players remain in Australia with confirmed asylum and settlement opportunities.

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