Iran Team Official Backs Off Australia Asylum Claim

Australia said that one of the two members of the Iran women’s football delegation who had earlier agreed to remain in the country has now changed her decision. Immigration Minister Tony Burke told parliament that the player reconsidered her choice after speaking with teammates who had already left Australia. Officials confirmed that they respected her decision and ensured it was made voluntarily. Authorities also said people in Australia have the freedom to change their mind. The government stated that it carefully reviewed the situation before allowing her to leave with the rest of the group.

Earlier, two members of the delegation – a player and a support staff member – had shown interest in staying in Australia due to concerns about their safety. They joined five other Iranian players who had already received visas to remain in the country. Meanwhile, the rest of the Iranian team departed Australia on Tuesday night, two days after their elimination from the Asian Cup tournament. Officials said they had repeatedly offered the players an opportunity to stay in Australia if they wished.

Tony Burke explained that the player who changed her mind had contacted the Iranian embassy after discussing the matter with her teammates and coach. This meant the embassy learned the location of other players who had decided to stay. After receiving this information, Australian authorities immediately moved the remaining players who had chosen to remain to a safe location. Officials said they acted quickly to protect their privacy and security.

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Australia says Iran player withdrew plan to stay

Concerns about the players’ safety emerged after members of the Iranian team refused to sing the national anthem before their match against South Korea. Following the incident, two team members — player Mohaddeseh Zolfi and staff member Zahra Soltan Meshkeh Kar — separated from the squad at their hotel on the Gold Coast. Authorities then moved them to a police facility in Brisbane for their protection. The government later confirmed that women who decided to stay in Australia would receive fast-tracked permanent residency.

Officials also offered the opportunity to remain in Australia to most members of the delegation at Sydney Airport before their scheduled departure. Police maintained a strong presence at the airport to ensure players could speak privately with officials through translators. They were also given time to contact their families before making a decision. None of the remaining players accepted the offer, although one individual boarded the plane after lengthy conversations with relatives.

The situation attracted attention both inside and outside Australia. Activists from the Australian-Iranian community gathered at the airport and outside the team’s hotel to support the players and protest against their return to Iran. Some protesters claimed that a few players had quietly signalled for help. Australian leaders said the country welcomed the athletes and expressed sympathy for their situation, emphasizing that Australia remains open to protecting those who feel unsafe.

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