Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke informed parliament that one of the two members of Iran's women's football team who had initially accepted an offer to remain in the country following their elimination from the Asian Cup has changed her mind. According to Burke, after speaking with teammates who had already departed Australia, the individual contacted the Iranian embassy and decided to leave. He stated, "In Australia people are able to change their mind. We respect the context in which she had made that decision," but added that this led to the Iranian embassy learning the location of others who chose to stay, prompting immediate relocation for security reasons.
Earlier, five members of the delegation (Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi) were granted humanitarian visas due to safety concerns after the team refrained from singing the national anthem before a match against South Korea. They are being fast-tracked for permanent residency. Burke emphasized that these women are not political activists but athletes seeking safety. After their departure from a Gold Coast hotel, their minders were seen attempting to locate them, underscoring the need for police intervention.
The remaining team members were reiterated the offer to stay at Sydney Airport before their scheduled departure on Tuesday night. Burke reported a "very significant" police presence to ensure players could speak privately with officials via translators and contact family members. None accepted the offer, though one person boarded the plane late after family discussions, with no pressure applied. Burke hinted that some departing individuals (likely Iranian government minders) were not invited to stay, expressing relief at their exit.
The situation has drawn international attention, with former U.S. President Donald Trump allegedly demanding on social media that Australia grant asylum or the U.S. would accept them. However, his administration had previously halted asylum decisions and restricted immigrant visas for Iranians, casting doubt on the sincerity of such claims. In Iran, conservative state media commentators accused the players of being "wartime traitors" and called for harsh punishment, heightening fears for their safety upon return.
Members of the Australian-Iranian community gathered at Sydney Airport to protest the team's return to Iran, claiming some had signaled for help. This incident highlights geopolitical tensions and criticism of Iranian authorities, illustrating how sporting events can become arenas for political disputes and humanitarian crises. The Australian government's response, while framed as protective, raises questions about the effectiveness of such interventions amid external pressures and internal team dynamics.
Source: www.bbc.com