Australia: 5 Iran national team players granted asylum

"Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They're safe here, and they should feel at home here. According to Albanese, all other members of Iran's squad are welcome to receive help, but it was up to them to accept the offer."

"I don't want to begin to imagine how difficult that decision is for each of the individual women, but certainly last night it was joy, it was relief. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke expressed this sentiment after meeting the five players upon completion of their humanitarian visas."

"Trump also posted on his Truth Social account that Australia should give the players asylum and that the US would take them in if Canberra wouldn't. Trump added they'd be killed should they return back home, emphasizing the severity of the threat they faced."

Five members of Iran's women's national football team were granted humanitarian visas to Australia following concerns about their safety. The players had drawn attention by not singing Iran's national anthem before their Asian Cup match against South Korea, widely interpreted as protest against the Iranian regime. This action sparked backlash in Iran, with some labeling them "wartime traitors" and raising fears of persecution upon their return. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the players are now safe in Australia and welcomed other squad members to seek similar assistance. US President Donald Trump intervened diplomatically, urging Australia to grant asylum and offering US refuge if needed, citing concerns the players would face harm if they returned home.

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