U.S. President Donald Trump warned that sending Iran’s national women’s soccer team home could put them at risk of death, urging Australia to grant them asylum immediately.
Trump said Australia has made a “terrible humanitarian mistake” and stressed that the team could face lethal punishment in Iran for actions taken during the Asian Cup tournament.
The Iranian women’s team was competing in Australia when U.S. and Israeli air strikes reportedly pushed the entire region into a severe economic and financial crisis, raising global concerns.
Players Seek Protection in Australia
SBS News reported that five players from the Iranian women’s team had “broken free” and were now under the protection of the Australian Federal Police, seeking government help for their safety.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke reportedly traveled to Brisbane to meet the players, showing immediate involvement amid growing international pressure to ensure the athletes were not returned to Iran.
The global football players’ union FIFPRO expressed serious concern for the team, warning that returning could expose them to lethal threats because they had refused to sing their national anthem.
Anthem Controversy Raises Human Rights Concerns
The team’s first decision to remain silent during Iran’s anthem against South Korea was condemned domestically, and Iranian state media called it the “pinnacle of dishonour,” which raised fears of punishment.
Before playing against Australia, the team sang the anthem and saluted, sparking fears among human rights advocates that government minders may have coerced the women while under strict supervision.
When asked if Australia could grant asylum, Assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said officials cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy, leaving the players’ immediate fate uncertain and attracting international attention.
