Most of Iranian women’s soccer team depart Australia after declining last-minute asylum offers

GOLD COAST, Australia — The Iranian women’s national soccer team boarded a flight out of Sydney late Tuesday with its roster reduced by seven, after a dramatic airport standoff in which Australian officials made last-minute offers of humanitarian visas to every player and staff member. Seven women ultimately accepted the chance to remain permanently in Australia, but one later reversed her decision, leaving six who will begin new lives here under government protection.

The scene inside Sydney Airport’s departure terminal was described by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke as “emotional.” As the squad moved through security, each woman was separated from her teammates and Iranian minders, provided an interpreter, and told she could walk away from the flight and claim asylum. Officials gave them time to telephone relatives before deciding.

Burke said the women were assured that “in Australia you can be safe,” a direct response to the global attention that followed the team’s refusal to sing Iran’s national anthem before its opening Asian Cup match last month. The silent protest—interpreted variously as defiance or mourning—prompted Australian-Iranian community groups to warn that players could face reprisals from Tehran.

The Iranian Football Federation dismissed those concerns on Tuesday, with First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref insisting that “Iran welcomes its children with open arms and the government guarantees their security.” State television asked international soccer bodies to review what it labeled “direct political interference” by U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly criticized Australia for failing to offer the squad refuge.

Australian officials countered that private discussions with the players had been under way since before Trump’s remarks. Burke acknowledged that some members of the delegation had links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and were not invited to apply for visas. “There were some people leaving Australia who I am glad they’re no longer in Australia,” he said.

After the flight departed, Burke’s office published—and later removed—photographs of the seven women who had accepted asylum, their faces unobscured. Within hours, one woman contacted the Iranian embassy and elected to rejoin her teammates, forcing Australian authorities to relocate the remaining six to an undisclosed location. Burke pledged they would receive immediate housing, health care, and permanent residency without a court fight.

The Asian Football Confederation confirmed the rest of the squad traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where they await onward flights. An AFC statement said the governing body will “continue to prioritize the welfare and safety of the players and officials” while providing logistical support.

Burke defended Australia’s handling of the saga, arguing the critical point was that every traveler understood she had a choice. “We couldn’t take away the pressure of the context,” he said, “but as a nation what mattered was that we could provide the choice.”