Five Iranian footballers granted Australian visas after anthem protest
Five Iranian women’s footballers receive Australian visas following anthem protest
Australian authorities have issued humanitarian visas to five Iranian female footballers after their team’s elimination in the Asian Cup, according to government statements. Immigration Minister Tony Burke confirmed the women were relocated to a secure area by police. He also noted that the rest of the squad has been informed they may remain in the country. The decision followed concerns raised by supporters about the players’ safety after they refused to sing the national anthem before a match against South Korea.
The team had planned to depart, but activists expressed worries for their wellbeing. This sparked backlash in Iran, where a conservative voice labeled the players “wartime traitors” and advocated for stricter penalties. Australia’s humanitarian visa programme provides permanent residency to those in need, allowing them to live, work, and study within the nation.
While the five players were transported to Gold Coast Airport and are set to fly to Sydney later Tuesday, others on the team observed from a bus as activists attempted to intercept the coach. Dozens of demonstrators tried to halt the coach’s movement, with some lying on the ground to obstruct progress. Burke met the women at the safe location before approving their visa applications at around 01:30 local time on Tuesday.
“They want to clarify they are not political activists. They are athletes seeking safety,” Burke stated, noting that discussions had continued for several days. He emphasized that the five players had been identified as needing to stay in Australia on Monday.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later confirmed the visa grants, aligning with Burke’s remarks. On Sunday, hundreds of supporters gathered near the Iranian Lionesses’ coach as it left the Gold Coast stadium, chanting “save our girls.” Trump’s involvement emerged when he posted on his Truth Social platform, urging the US to provide asylum for the women. “The US will take them if you won’t,” he added, later claiming five had already been accommodated and the others were “on their way.”
Trump’s comments hinted at fears for the players’ families’ safety in Iran, suggesting they felt compelled to return. “The Prime Minister is handling this delicate situation well,” he said. Meanwhile, the Trump administration paused asylum decisions and halted immigrant visas for citizens from over a dozen countries, including Iran, citing a desire to curb system misuse. Last year, two groups of Iranians, including those with rejected asylum applications, were sent back to the country, reportedly including members of the LGBT community.
Craig Foster, a former Australian men’s football captain and human rights champion, highlighted the athletes’ right to safety. “When teams compete in FIFA events, they deserve freedom to voice concerns about their safety,” he told the BBC. The group’s actions reflect broader tensions between Iran’s policies and the athletes’ need for protection.
