Lilac
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https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/09/sport/australia-iran-women-soccer-asian-cup-intl-hnk
5 Iranian women soccer players flee hotel, seek asylum in Australia, exiled crown prince says
Five Iranian women footballers 'in Australian safe house' after Asian Cup protest
Five members of the Iranian soccer team fled their hotel & are now with the police apparently in fear of being forced to return to Iran. This was after the players stood silent before their first match during their national anthem which hardliners in Iran consider a sign of treason. CNN sources were told they were forced to sing before their second match & to give a military salute.
Supporters of the women are afraid that even though they cannot fly back directly to Iran, the team could be sent to other countries like China, Russia or Malaysia to be held. It's also feared that once they return to Iran, they will face sever punishment for being not showing loyalty to the regime. Others are calling for the Australian government to keep them safe & give them asylum.
5 Iranian women soccer players flee hotel, seek asylum in Australia, exiled crown prince says
Five Iranian women footballers 'in Australian safe house' after Asian Cup protest
Five members of the Iranian soccer team fled their hotel & are now with the police apparently in fear of being forced to return to Iran. This was after the players stood silent before their first match during their national anthem which hardliners in Iran consider a sign of treason. CNN sources were told they were forced to sing before their second match & to give a military salute.
Supporters of the women are afraid that even though they cannot fly back directly to Iran, the team could be sent to other countries like China, Russia or Malaysia to be held. It's also feared that once they return to Iran, they will face sever punishment for being not showing loyalty to the regime. Others are calling for the Australian government to keep them safe & give them asylum.
