There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Iran's women's football team recently. © ANSA / DAVE HUNT

Iranian female footballers receive asylum in Australia

Five players from the Iranian women's national team have been allowed to remain in Australia. After a silent protest during the national anthem, they feared reprisals in Iran and sought protection from the authorities. Their case also garnered international political attention – partly due to Donald Trump.

March 09, 2026

From: dpa/sn

The US president had publicly advocated for the players and announced a solution in a conversation with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The players had traveled to Australia with the Iranian national team for the Asian Cup. Some of them left the team hotel out of concern for their safety and sought police protection. This stemmed from a silent protest: During the first group match, the players had remained silent during the Iranian national anthem, which was interpreted as criticism of the Iranian regime.

Human rights organizations feared reprisals upon their return to Iran. Conservative voices in the country have already labeled the silence an act of betrayal. FIFA, the world football governing body, also stated that the safety of the Iranian national team players was of paramount importance and that they were in close contact with the relevant authorities.