Iranian Women’s Football Team: Asylum Seekers Return Home Amidst Intimidation Claims

Melbourne, Australia – Three more members of the Iranian women’s national football team have decided to return to Iran after initially seeking asylum in Australia following their participation in the Women’s Asian Cup, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed on Sunday, March 14, 2026. This brings the total number of players returning home to four, leaving just three of the original seven who sought protection in Australia.

Asylum Requests and Initial Departures

Initially, six players and a support staff member from the 26-member Iranian squad accepted humanitarian visas to remain in Australia before the rest of the team departed for Malaysia on March 9. One player subsequently changed her mind and left Australia prior to this latest group of three returning home. The returning players traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday night, according to a government official as reported by the Associated Press.

Intimidation and Coercion Allegations

Tina Kordrostami, an Iranian-born Sydney councillor, alleges that the returning women were intimidated and directly contacted by the Iranian regime. Speaking to Fox News, Kordrostami stated that an individual within Sydney and Brisbane was actively influencing the players, discouraging them from seeking asylum in Australia. “They are being coerced, They are being threatened, they are being intimidated, this is not a choice of their own,” she said.

Protests and Government Response

A tense standoff occurred at the team hotel on the Gold Coast in Queensland on Monday, as anti-Iranian regime protesters gathered while the players prepared to depart for Iran. Federal minister Kristy McBain dismissed claims of coercion as “propaganda” during an appearance on ABC News, stating that the Australian government had been transparent about the steps taken to ensure the players could make informed decisions.

Iranian Government Statement

Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that the returning players were welcomed back to “the warm embrace of their family and homeland.” The agency also accused Australia of engaging in “psychological warfare, extensive propaganda and seductive offers” against the players.

New Visa Laws and Regional Context

Concurrently with the asylum requests, the Australian government implemented new legislation aimed at preventing temporary visa holders from seeking permanent residency due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. These laws could potentially prevent Iranian tourists with visas issued before the recent attacks on Tehran from overstaying their visas or applying for protection while in Australia. Australia has expressed strong support for the US and Israeli-led actions in Iran and is providing military assistance to the United Arab Emirates.

Burke emphasized that Australians should be proud of providing the women with genuine choices and support.