Five members of the Iranian women’s national football team have sought asylum in Australia during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 after expressing fears for their personal safety if they were to return to Iran.
The players — Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Ghanbari, Fatemeh Pazandideh, and Atefeh Ramezanizadeh — reportedly requested protection from Australian authorities following the conclusion of their team’s campaign in the tournament.
Their decision comes amid growing concerns that they could face serious consequences in Iran after publicly refusing to sing the national anthem before a match, an act widely interpreted as a symbolic show of support for protesters seeking political reform.
Reports suggest the players have been accused by some critics in Iran of being “traitors to the nation”, raising fears they could face arrest or harsh punishment if they returned.
The five athletes, therefore, requested asylum while still in Australia, asking authorities to intervene and provide protection.
The case quickly became a major story internationally, drawing attention to the intersection of sport, politics, and personal safety.
The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, responded by approving humanitarian visas for the players, allowing them to remain in Australia.
“We are willing to help other women on the team as well,” Albanese said.
“We understand that this is a very sensitive situation and it ultimately depends on their decision, but we have informed them that if they need assistance, we will provide it fully.”
Humanitarian visas issued by Australia allow recipients to live, work, and study in the country, providing long-term protection for individuals facing potential persecution in their homeland.
Albanese also confirmed that he had discussed the matter with Donald Trump, President of the United States, regarding possible solutions for the situation.
According to the Australian prime minister, Trump had encouraged Australia to assist the players.
“The conversation with Donald Trump was very positive,” Albanese said.
“I was able to inform him about the steps we had taken in the past 48 hours and confirm that the five players have received help and are now safe.”
On the pitch, Iran struggled during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
Iran was placed in Group A alongside host nation Australia, Korea Republic, and Philippines, and Iran was eliminated in the group stage after losing all three matches.
This is not the first time a prominent figure in Iranian football has sought refuge abroad.
In 2019, FIFA Elite referee Alireza Faghani requested asylum in Australia after expressing support for protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish Iranian woman whose death after being detained by morality police sparked widespread demonstrations.
Faghani later obtained Australian citizenship and continues to officiate internationally under the banner of Football Australia.
Credit Photo : Australian Government
