MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Three members of Iran’s women’s soccer team who had initially received refugee visas to stay in Australia have decided to return home. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced this decision on Sunday.
This leaves only three out of the original seven squad members still in Australia. Burke explained that the players were given several opportunities to discuss their options before making this choice.
The team arrived in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup just as conflict was renewed in the Middle East. Initially, six players and a staff member accepted humanitarian visas. After some time, the remaining members flew from Sydney to Malaysia on March 9, while further changes in decisions led to some players leaving Sydney for Kuala Lumpur over the weekend.
According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, the three returning members included two players and a support staff member. They expressed a desire to be back with their families and homeland.
Concerns about the team’s safety back in Iran surged after the players did not sing the national anthem before a match. This act raised alarms about their treatment and safety. Iranian groups in Australia and even U.S. President Donald Trump urged the Australian government to assist them.
Reactions on social media have been strong. Many users expressed worry for the players’ safety while others criticized the decision to return. The Iranian news outlet labelled their return as a failure of external support efforts.
In a recent report, only a small percentage of athletes from countries with tough regimes have successfully secured asylum abroad. Various factors influence these decisions, including personal safety, family ties, and the political climate at home.
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