Seven members of Iran’s women’s national football delegation who sought asylum in Australia have been moved from their safe house after their location was reportedly disclosed to the Iranian embassy.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, said the evacuation became necessary after one member of the group changed her mind about seeking asylum and contacted Iran’s embassy, inadvertently revealing the whereabouts of the others.
According to Burke, the Australian government acted quickly after learning that the embassy might now know the location of the players. He said authorities immediately arranged for the group to be relocated to ensure their safety.
Seven members of the visiting Iranian women’s football team had earlier requested protection in Australia after facing backlash in Iran for refusing to sing the national anthem before a match. The silent protest was widely interpreted as a sign of defiance against the Iranian government.
However, one member later reconsidered her decision after speaking with teammates who chose to return to Iran instead of seeking asylum. When she contacted the Iranian embassy, the information led authorities to fear the safe house location had been compromised.
Australian officials said each player was separated from the rest of the squad upon arrival at Sydney Airport and given the opportunity to privately consider the asylum offer.
The situation has added tension to relations between Iran and Australia. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had earlier praised the players’ courage and assured them they would receive support if they chose to remain in Australia.
However, Iran’s football authorities accused Australia of interfering and alleged that the players were pressured into abandoning their country.
Earlier in the week, five players — including team captain Zahra Ghanbari — reportedly left their team hotel secretly to seek asylum. Two additional members, a player and a support staff member, later joined them before the rest of the squad departed Sydney on Tuesday.
It remains unclear which of the seven asylum seekers later reversed her decision.
Meanwhile, the Asian Football Confederation confirmed that the rest of the Iranian squad is currently staying at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, while arrangements are made for their journey back home.
Migration agent Naghmeh Danai said some of the players had been under heavy pressure and close monitoring by Iranian officials accompanying the team.
Human rights advocates have warned that the players could face serious consequences if they return to Iran. Reza Pahlavi, son of the late Shah of Iran, called on the Australian government to ensure the players’ safety and provide them with all necessary support.
