Australia Grants Asylum to Iranian Women Footballers Amid Fears of Persecution
At least seven members of Iran’s women’s football team have sought asylum in Australia, with five already granted humanitarian visas amid concerns over potential persecution upon their return home. The players’ decision follows criticism from Iranian state television for not singing the national anthem during a recent match.
Asylum Granted and Rising Numbers
Five players from the 13-member squad were initially granted asylum on Monday. The number has since risen to at least seven, including players who refused to board a flight at Sydney airport as reported by the ABC. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the government’s actions, stating that officials provided a private setting for the team to craft their decisions without pressure.
Government Support and Player Agency
Burke emphasized that each player had the agency to choose their future, with opportunities to contact family members and deliberate without time constraints. “Every single … member of that team was put in a situation where they were just with Home Affairs officials, where the people who might put pressure on them were nowhere near them at all and they were given a choice,” he said according to the ABC. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously indicated the government’s willingness to assist other team members seeking support as reported by The Guardian.
Concerns Over Reprisals in Iran
The players faced criticism and were labeled “traitors” on Iranian state television after declining to sing the national anthem before their opening match at the Women’s Asian Cup. Under Iran’s legal system, acts deemed as corruption or treason can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty.
Visa Details and Previous Precedents
The granted visas are temporary humanitarian visas, valid for 12 months, and provide a pathway to permanent residency. These types of visas have been previously issued to individuals from Ukraine, Palestine, and Afghanistan as noted by the ABC. Minister Burke confirmed that all asylum seekers underwent security clearance by ASIO prior to the approval of their applications.
Team Departure and Ongoing Support
On Tuesday evening, a bus carrying an unknown number of Iranian players, escorted by police, departed from Sydney International Airport bound for Kuala Lumpur according to the ABC. The Australian government continues to offer support to the remaining players.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke met with members of the Iranian women’s football team in Brisbane, sharing photos of the signed visa applications on Instagram as reported by SBS. He described the reaction as one of “joy” and “relief,” with the players excited to start their lives in Australia.