Five members of the Iranian women’s national football team have taken refuge in an Australian safe house, seeking asylum following the team’s elimination from the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
The defection follows a week of high tension. During their opening match against South Korea, the “Iranian Lionesses” refused to sing the national anthem, sparking “traitor” accusations from conservative commentators in Tehran.
In subsequent matches, the team resumed singing—a move activists believe was coerced by Revolutionary Guard members traveling with the delegation.
BBC witnesses reported dramatic scenes at the team’s hotel on Monday as players fled with activists, followed by panicked searches by team officials.
A relative of one player confirmed to the ABC that the group is currently under police protection and intends to claim asylum.
Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, urging Australia to “give asylum” and claiming he had spoken to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the “delicate situation.”
Human rights advocate Craig Foster stated that while an offer of asylum is vital, many players fear for the safety of families and children still in Iran.
