Iranian Football Captain Withdraws Asylum Bid Amid Family Threats
The captain of the Iranian women’s national football team, Zahra Ghanbari, has withdrawn her bid for asylum in Australia, following similar decisions by other team members. This comes amid reports of threats against their families by Iranian authorities, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Asylum Claims and Subsequent Withdrawals
Initially, seven members of the Iranian delegation, including six players and one support staff member, sought humanitarian visas in Australia following concerns over potential repercussions for remaining silent during the Iranian national anthem at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. But, five members have now reversed their decisions, including Ghanbari.
IRNA, Iran’s state news agency, has portrayed the withdrawals as a victory for the Iranian regime, celebrating the return of the players.
Allegations of Family Intimidation
Hadi Karimi, vice-president of the Iranian Society of Queensland, claims that a staff member granted asylum was relaying threats from the Iranian regime to players still considering their options. He alleges that one player communicated that her family had been kidnapped. Karimi expressed concern about the IRGC operating within Australia, stating, “We’re living in Australia, why should we allow the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), these terrorists, to bring their law to our country.”
Former Iranian national futsal player Shiva Amini reported receiving information indicating that the Iranian Football Federation, in collaboration with the IRGC, exerted “intense and systematic pressure” on the families of the players. This pressure reportedly included targeting Ghanbari’s family, particularly following the recent death of her father.
Amini stated, “This shows the level of cruelty and desperation they are willing to use to force these athletes to comply.” She further alleged that the team’s manager, posing as a trusted figure, influenced some players to return to Iran.
Government Response and Player Safety
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that three members of the group had initially decided to exit despite the government’s efforts to ensure their protection. Cabinet minister Catherine King acknowledged the “enormous pressure” faced by the players due to the situation in their home country.
Reports indicate that the team left a Gold Coast hotel under police guard, with one player allegedly being forcibly escorted onto a bus by a teammate. Concerns remain for the safety of the returning players, who have been labeled “wartime traitors” by Iranian state media for refusing to sing the national anthem.
Zahra Ghanbari’s Background
Zahra Ghanbari, born on March 4, 1992, in Kangavar, Kermanshah, Iran, is a forward for Persepolis and the Iran national team. She is the national team’s all-time top goalscorer. Ghanbari previously played for Ghaz Al-Shamal SC in Iraq, Bam Khatoon F.C., and Vechan Kurdistan. In November 2024, she faced a brief suspension and was forced to apologize for an “improper hijab” during a goal celebration at the 2024–25 AFC Women’s Champions League.
Sources: BBC News, Wikipedia, Iran International, The Jerusalem Post