Iranian Women’s Football Team Members Return Home After Asylum Bids

Melbourne, Australia – Three additional members of the Iranian women’s national football team who were granted humanitarian visas in Australia have decided to return to Iran, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced on Sunday, March 15, 2026. This brings the total number of team members returning home to four, leaving only three of the initial seven who sought asylum remaining in Australia.

Asylum Requests and Initial Departure

Initially, six players and one support staff member sought refuge in Australia following concerns over potential repercussions in Iran after the team refused to sing the Iranian national anthem before a match during the Women’s Asian Cup tournament. The team’s actions were met with criticism in Iran, with some labeling them “wartime traitors.” NBC News reported that the players feared punishment upon their return.

The team arrived in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup last month, before the conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel began on February 28. The majority of the Iranian contingent departed Sydney for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on March 9.

Recent Developments and Government Response

According to a statement from Minister Burke, the three players were given multiple opportunities to reconsider their decision and discuss their options with Australian officials before finalizing their return. The Guardian noted the Australian government had “done everything it can to ensure these women have a chance at a secure future in Australia.”

Iranian state media, including the Tasnim News Agency, reported that the returning players and staff member were heading “back to the warm embrace of their family and homeland.” Al Jazeera confirmed the news, stating that the team captain, Zahra Ghanbari, is also expected to return.

Concerns and Previous Cases

The decision by these players to return to Iran follows a similar move by another player earlier in the week. Human rights groups have expressed concerns about pressure exerted by Iranian authorities on athletes abroad, including threats to family members or property if they defect or criticize the government. PBS highlighted these concerns in their reporting.

The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, previously asserted that the players were “forced” to defect and even questioned Iran’s participation in the upcoming men’s World Cup.