Captain of Iran’s women’s team withdraws Australia asylum bid: State media | Football News
Iranian Women’s Football Team Captain Withdraws Asylum Bid in Australia
Zahra Ghanbari, the captain of the Iranian women’s football team, has decided to withdraw her application for asylum in Australia, according to Iranian state media. This decision marks her as the fifth member of the team to reverse course after participating in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Ghanbari is scheduled to depart Malaysia for Iran in the coming hours, as reported by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) on Sunday.
Three of her teammates and one support staff member had previously rescinded their asylum requests and traveled from Australia to Malaysia. The team had been in Australia for the Asian Cup, where they garnered attention for their refusal to sing Iran’s national anthem.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, indicated that prior to the team’s departure, the Australian government had extended offers of asylum to all players and staff. This was motivated by concerns regarding potential repercussions upon their return to Iran due to their stance during the tournament.
On Saturday, the Iranian state broadcaster reported that the three players had opted out of their asylum applications and were en route to Malaysia, accompanied by images purportedly showing them boarding a plane.
Burke subsequently confirmed the development, stating, “Overnight, three members of the Iranian women’s football team made the decision to join the rest of the team on their journey back to Iran.” He added that the players were presented with multiple opportunities to discuss their options with Australian officials.
Earlier in the week, five players had signed immigration paperwork to remain in Australia, leaving two teammates eligible for asylum and settlement in the country. The team played its group matches at Gold Coast Stadium in Queensland on March 2, 5, and 8.
During the tournament period, Iran faced significant internal turmoil following military conflicts that began with attacks from the United States and Israel on February 28, leading to the deaths of prominent Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Reports indicate that approximately 1,444 Iranians have been killed since the conflict’s onset, including students targeted during a school attack in Minab.
The Iranian women’s team faced scrutiny for previously refusing to sing the national anthem, resulting in accusations of treachery from certain media outlets. In a subsequent match against Australia, however, players sang and saluted the anthem, prompting speculation that they might have experienced pressure from Iranian authorities.
Burke confirmed on the day of the team’s departure that all players and staff were offered support to remain in Australia, reinforcing that they would be welcomed and safe.
In the days following their matches, one player, identified as Mohadese Zolfigol, initially opted to stay in Australia but later returned to Iran, reportedly influenced by her teammates’ advice.
Players who had sought asylum with assistance from Iranian rights activists were reportedly escorted by Australian police to a location for safe processing, where they were informed of their rights. Beau Busch, president for Asia/Oceania at FIFPRO, noted that each player was independently interviewed by the Australian Federal Police, ensuring they were not hurried through the process.
