Australia backs Iran women's soccer players seeking asylum: 'We stand in solidarity'

"Police assisted the women in leaving their hotel and placed them in a safe house. According to sports journalist Raha Pourbakhsh, at least seven players left the team hotel with five applying for asylum with the Australian Federal Police. According to an X post by Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed Shah of Iran, the players who "successfully sought refuge in Australia" are Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi."

"The team remained silent during the Iranian national anthem before their first Asian Cup match a week ago, which was interpreted as a protest against the regime. They saluted and quietly mouthed words to the anthem before a match against Australia after pushback from the Iranian government and accusations of treason."

"Australia appears willing to assist the women, who apparently fear persecution at home. Following the United States-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliation in the Middle East, Iranian state television labeled the soccer team "wartime traitors" and alluded to repercussions upon their return to the country."

Five players from Iran's women's soccer team sought asylum in Australia after their final match in the Asian Women's Cup, with police assistance placing them in a safe house. The players—Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi—feared persecution upon returning home. The team had protested Iran's regime by remaining silent during the national anthem at their first match, later facing accusations of treason. Iranian state television labeled them "wartime traitors" following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Families of three players received threats, and at least two other players remain unlocated. Australia provided assistance, and the United States offered asylum as an alternative.

Read at Los Angeles Times