By Ebi Kesiena
Five members of the Iran women’s national football team have reportedly sought asylum in Australia after refusing to sing their national anthem during the ongoing 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Queensland.
The players made the decision following their elimination from the tournament and are currently being sheltered in a safe house in Australia, according to reports by BBC.
The five athletes had declined to sing the Iranian national anthem ahead of their opening match against South Korea women’s national football team last week.
A relative of one of the players, speaking anonymously to ABC News Australia, said the women are under police protection and intend to formally apply for asylum in Australia.
The development has drawn international attention, including from Donald Trump, who urged Australian authorities to allow the players remain in the country.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that returning the athletes to Iran could be a “terrible humanitarian mistake,” adding that the United States would be willing to accept them if Australia declined.
In a follow-up post, Trump said he had spoken with Anthony Albanese, who informed him that the situation was already being addressed.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, later confirmed that the government had granted humanitarian visas to the five players.
Burke, who travelled to Brisbane to meet the athletes, told reporters that the women had been assured of their safety and welcome in Australia.
“I have told the five players that they are welcome to stay in Australia, that they are safe here, and they should feel at home here,” he said during a news conference on Monday.
The minister added that the remaining members of the Iranian team are currently staying in a hotel on the Gold Coast and have also been offered the opportunity to remain in Australia should they wish to do so.
