Five stars of the Iranian women’s national football team have officially left their training camp to seek refuge in Australia.
The players—Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi—fear they will be arrested or punished if they return to Iran after a public protest during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Before their match against South Korea on March 2, the players refused to sing Iran’s national anthem. In Iran, conservative media labeled them "traitors" and called for severe penalties.
The athletes are currently being protected by the Australian Federal Police while the government processes their request for asylum (protection).
World football’s governing body, FIFA, is working with Australian authorities to ensure the women remain safe.
Even U.S. President Donald Trump joined the conversation, urging Australia to grant them protection and offering to have the U.S. take them in if necessary.
Message Us