On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Australia to grant asylum to the Iranian women’s soccer team, threatening that the United States would extend asylum to them if Australia refused.
Concerns have arisen about the potential persecution the team could face upon returning to Iran, particularly after they opted not to sing the national anthem before their first match in the Asian Cup in Gold Coast.
Typically, the team’s return would be imminent following their exit from the tournament after losing to the Philippines on Sunday. However, local media reports indicate that the players are still in Australia.
Reports emerged on Monday stating that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) had assisted five of the team members in leaving their base and moving to a safe location after the team’s elimination.
Neither the AFP nor the Department of Home Affairs has commented on these developments, but Trump has intensified calls for Australia to provide refuge for the entire squad.
On Truth Social, Trump stated, “Australia is making a grave humanitarian error by sending the Iran National Women’s Soccer Team back to Iran, where they likely face execution. Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister; grant asylum. The U.S. will take them if you won’t. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President Donald J. Trump.”
Shortly afterward, Trump praised Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, noting, “He’s on it! Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way.”
It remains unclear what actions the Australian government is taking regarding the team’s situation.
Trump also mentioned that some players feel compelled to return to Iran due to concerns for their families’ safety, including threats made against family members if they do not go back.
FIFA, the global governing body for soccer, stated on Monday that it is in “close contact” with Australian authorities about the team, emphasizing that their safety and security are a priority.
While the players sang the national anthem during their last two matches, they faced backlash from supporters of the Iranian regime for not singing it at the beginning of their first game.
Beau Busch, the president of the global players’ union FIFPRO for Asia/Oceania, remarked during the organization’s general assembly in Sydney on Sunday that they had been unable to reach the Iranian squad but emphasized the necessity for FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and the Australian government to ensure that the players could make informed decisions regarding their next steps.
Busch stated, “We’ve been urging the Australian government to support the players in maintaining agency over their choices. It’s a complex situation. Some players may want to return, while others might wish to seek asylum or stay in Australia for a longer duration, and there are those who are anxious about the possibility of going home.”
The actions taken by the Trump administration and Israel against Iran have led to retaliatory strikes by Iran against Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
This has resulted in travel and administrative complications across the region, threatening Iraq’s chances of playing in a World Cup playoff match in Mexico on March 31.
Iraq’s coach, Graham Arnold, has proposed scheduling the match against Bolivia or Suriname the week prior to the finals in June, allowing ample time for a decision regarding Iran’s involvement in the World Cup. He suggested that if Iran withdrew, Iraq could assume their place, with the UAE stepping in for Iraq in the playoffs.
Information from PA and The Associated Press contributed to this report.