Iranian Women's Soccer Team in Australia

[Lilac]

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.

 

[George1959]

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.

Let's hope so. I understand these women

 

[oscash]

Those poor young girls. They must be terrified being held against their will. I don't blame them wanting to escape but on the other hand they must be missing their parents and families.

 

[Lawrence00]

I read that five requested asylum and are under Australian protection now.

 

[smiley]

correct we are a multi - religious; multi- nationality country who welcomes all genuine new comers - we have a chequered history - short time and amazing one long term - and now consider ourselves multicultural ; in some cases we recognize dual nationality citizens and their passports

 

[Lilac]

I hope that if any of the others want to stay they can get away from their handlers & get to the authorities for asylum as well.

 

[Jules]

In these savage regimes, it can be the family that pays the price for the defection. This can be a heavy price to pay for the defectors. It’s totally understandable.

 

[Lilac]

Sadly, that something that has happened through out history with leaders who abuse & kill their people without a second thought. It's another way for them to control their own citizens.

If my daughter had a chance to escape & have a chance to live in freedom, I would want her to take it & not look back. I wouldn't want her to worry about me ... she would have her whole life ahead of her & in a much better place that she would be returning to. With her living her life as she sees fit, it would be worth it for me.

 

[Rakaia]

I read that five requested asylum and are under Australian protection now.

They have been granted humanitarian visas.