Published On 10/3/2026
Australia has granted visas to five Iranian women’s national soccer team players, following a request from former U.S. President Donald Trump to prevent their return to Tehran, amid fears for their safety.
Trump had urged Australia on Monday to grant asylum to the Iranian players competing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, writing on his Truth Social platform that the players “will probably be killed” if forced to return to Iran. He directly addressed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, stating, “The United States will gladly welcome them if you don’t.”
Albanese confirmed in a press conference Tuesday that Trump had called him earlier in the day. “Australians were deeply moved by the plight of these courageous women,” he said. “They are safe here, and they should experience at home.”
Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke stated that the remaining members of the Iranian women’s team are too welcome to stay in Australia.
“War-Time Betrayers”
The Iranian delegation of 26 arrived in Australia days before the start of the U.S.-Israeli war on Tehran approximately ten days ago.
The team faced significant criticism back home after their opening match for refusing to sing the national anthem against South Korea, with state television labeling the players “war-time betrayers.” However, they did sing the anthem in their subsequent two matches.
Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that five players, who were in Australia for the Asian Cup, left the team hotel “secretly” accompanied by Australian police, while media reports indicated they sought assistance from the government after “escaping” their accommodation.
According to multiple Australian news outlets, five players from the team were housed following their request for asylum at a detention center run by the Australian Federal Police on Sunday, after their final group stage match against the Philippines and elimination from the competition.
