Australia has granted asylum to five members of the Iranian women’s team who left their Gold Coast training camp to seek refuge in the country.
According to Prince Reza Pahlavi’s press office, the five women are Fatemeh Pasandide, Zahra Gambari, Zahra Salbari, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh and Mona Hammoudi. Pahlavi is the son of the last shah of Iran and is in exile in the United States.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the women were transported by Australian Federal Police to a “secure location” where they met with Burke and completed the humanitarian visa process.
“I say to the rest of the team, the same opportunity is there,” Burke said. “Australia has accepted the Iranian women’s soccer team into our hearts.”
Mr Burke’s announcement comes after Donald Trump called on Australia to grant asylum to members of his team who wish to do so.
Last month, before the Iran war began, the Iranian team arrived in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup. The team was eliminated from the weekend tournament and faced the possibility of returning to the bombed country.
During the tournament, the players largely refused to comment on the situation in Iran, but at a press conference last Wednesday, forward Salah Didar fought back tears as she spoke of the players’ concerns for their families, friends and compatriots during the conflict.
The players did not sing the national anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran before the tournament’s opening match against South Korea on March 2, sparking concerns that they would be punished if they returned home.
They have been threatened and denounced as “wartime traitors” on Islamic Republic state television.
FIFA issued a statement confirming it was in contact with Australian authorities to prioritize the safety of the five women.
“The safety and security of the IR Iran Women’s National Team is FIFA’s top priority and as such we remain in close contact with the relevant authorities in Australia, including the AFC and Football Australia, regarding the situation with the team,” the statement said.
Refugees can seek asylum in Australia if they fear persecution or risk of serious harm in their home country.
