Six members of the Iran national football team remained in Australia after exiting the 2026 AFC Asian Cup this week, after Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke granted several members asylum following days of international pressure.
The incident began when the players stood silent during Iran's national anthem before their March 2nd match against South Korea. Iranian state television labeled them "wartime traitors" for the silent protest, with the team opting to sing the anthem in their subsequent two matches.
Five players initially received asylum on Monday, later joined by a sixth player and one staff member. The group me at a secure location where Burke finalized their humanitarian visas. Social media photos showed the women smiling and clapping as Burke signed the documents.
One player later changed her mind, deciding not to accept the visa after speaking with teammates. Burke told Parliament the woman contacted the Iranian embassy, creating a domino effect in Sydney.
"Unfortunately, in making that decision she was advised by her teammates and coach to contact the Iranian embassy," he said. "As a result of that, it meant that the Iranian embassy now knew the location of where everybody was."
The Iran national team arrived in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup before US-Israeli strikes began on February 28th. Upon its group-stage elimination, players faced the prospect of returning to a war-torn country.
US President Donald Trump inserted himself into the conversation Monday, saying he would grant asylum to the players if Australia refused. Trump later praised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after the players received protection.
Australia did not offer visas to staff said to have connections to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, with the returning team members departing Sydney on Tuesday en route to Tehran.
"There were some people leaving Australia who I am glad they're no longer in Australia," Burke added.
