Three More Iranian Women's Football Team Members Return to Iran After Seeking Asylum in Australia

Sydney. Three more members of the Iranian women's football team, who had received humanitarian visas in Australia, have changed their decision and opted to return to their home country. Despite the Australian government granting them permission to stay with full security guarantees, they chose the path of returning to Iran at the last moment.

According to human rights activists in the Iranian community, those who decided to return home include players Moharra Hamoudi, Zahra Sarbali, and team technical member Zahra Soltan Meskarkar. Out of the seven members who had previously sought asylum in Australia, only three remain there now, while the remaining four have withdrawn their applications.

The controversy began on March 2 during the AFC Women's Asian Cup match against South Korea. At the start of the match, the Iranian players refused to sing the national anthem and remained silent. This move, understood to be in solidarity with the ongoing protests in Iran, led to them being labeled as wartime traitors back home. Because of this, concerns grew in Australia regarding the players' safety.

Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated in a press release that his government had done everything possible for the future security of these women. He mentioned that despite Australia offering alternatives and support, the players made this decision amidst family and other difficult circumstances.

Meanwhile, Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with Iran's Ministry of Sports and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, commented on this as a victory for Iranian patriotism over the enemy's plan. Iran has also accused the Australian government of following the American political agenda. According to Tasnim News, all three have now reached Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, joined the rest of the team, and are preparing to return to Iran from there.

Initially, five players fled from their Gold Coast hotel and sought refuge with the Australian police. The next day, Meskarkar and Mohaddeseh Zolfi also sought asylum. However, Zolfi changed her decision within a few hours and rejoined the team. Due to the pressure created by not singing the national anthem, the Iranian team sang the national anthem in the subsequent matches, which was seen as pressure from government officials.

Human rights activists in Australia have expressed concern about how the returning players and their families will be treated in Iran. Other members of the Iranian team had already returned home after being eliminated from the Asian Cup.