HOT: 5 Iranian players seek asylum in Australia after Asian Cup finals

Five players from the Iranian women's national team, after participating in the Asian Cup finals, have submitted asylum applications to the Australian Federal Police.

Five players from the Iranian women's football team, who were participating in the 2026 Women's Asian Cup in Australia, have filed asylum applications with the federal police of that country. The news immediately drew international attention, especially as the Iranian team had just competed in the tournament's group stage. On March 9, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the government had granted humanitarian visas to the five members of the Iranian women's team.

Previously, numerous organizations and supporters had urged the Australian government to allow the Iranian players to seek asylum, fearing they might face danger if forced to return home. These concerns arose following a notable incident during the tournament.

It was particularly noteworthy during the opening match when the national anthem ceremony took place: the players of the Iranian women's team stood solemnly, facing forward, but none of them sang. In the technical area, the coaching staff and substitute players also remained silent. Head coach Marziyeh Jafari alone offered a slight smile as the anthem played.

Prime Minister Albanese stated that Australian authorities had monitored the situation for some time before making the decision. The five players have been relocated to a secure location, and Australia is also prepared to assist if other team members wish to stay.

Meanwhile, sports journalist Raha Pourbakhsh revealed on CNN that at least seven Iranian players had left the hotel where the team was staying, but only five officially submitted asylum applications. The whereabouts of the remaining two players are currently unknown.

The Iranian women's national team concluded their journey with three consecutive losses. This outcome was not entirely surprising, as Iranian women's football is not as strong as the men's team and they faced a very tough group with host Australia, South Korea, and Philippines. The Iranian women's team also failed to score any goals and conceded a total of nine.

The bus of the Iranian women's national team was surrounded, players signaled for help

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