Posted on 03/09/2026 3:40:01 PM PDT by know.your.why
Five members of Iran's women's national team are seeking asylum in Australia following the team's participation at the AFC Asian Cup, and are currently safe and being cared for by local authorities.
The players defected on Monday, a day after a 2-0 defeat to the Philippines, which would ensure the team would be eliminated in the group stage. The team was scheduled to depart Gold Coast, Australia, on Monday despite airspace restrictions in the Middle East because of the Iran War, which began on Feb. 28, after the team traveled to take part in the Asian Cup.
The Iran War had loomed large over the team's time at the Asian Cup, with their group stage opener taking place just two days after the U.S. and Israel's joint military operation began in the country. Players did not sing the national anthem ahead of their opening match against South Korea, a 3-0 loss, leading state TV to brand the players as "wartime traitors." The players then sang the anthem and performed a military salute in their subsequent matches against Australia and the Philippines, both defeats.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he spoke to Australia prime minister Anthony Albanese on Monday about the matter, writing on social media that five players "have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way" while admitting the situation is "rather delicate." Earlier that day, he said the U.S. would accept the players' asylum applications if Australia would not.
(Excerpt) Read more at cbssports.com ...
Really glad they’re not going back but worry since assassination seems to be Iran’s cottage industry.
I didn’t think women’s soccer players wore a cup...
Trump should offer them asylum under the condition they live in Chappaqua.
You're thinking about a few American swimmers and volleyball players.
Seriously though, may they find sanctuary and return to a safe, improved Iran as soon as possible.
After losses across the board Saddam Hussein's evil sons "coached" Iraq's Olympic team with various tortures while keeping them in small cages. Not Wheaties box stuff to be sure.
Asian Cup. Not like others. They go on sideways.
What’s going to happen to their families back in Iran?
Right after being granted asylum, Iranian women’s national team threw away their hijabs
It looks like only seven members remained in Australia and the rest returned to Iran.
Seven members of the Iranian women’s soccer team have remained in Australia, while the rest of the squad has now left the country for Iran, a source has told CNN Sports.
Earlier on Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that five players had been granted humanitarian visas, amid fears over their safety should they return to Iran.
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