Five Iranian women’s soccer players granted humanitarian visas by Australian government Five members of the Iranian women’s soccer team competing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia have been granted humanitarian visas, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Tuesday. The decision followed a call with U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously warned that allowing the players to return to Iran would be a “terrible humanitarian mistake.” Albanese confirmed that officials had been working on the matter for some time, and the five players had been relocated to a safe location, with an offer extended to the remaining members of the team. The players had faced pressure from Iranian authorities after they refused to sing the national anthem before their first match of the tournament on Monday. Supporters had urged the Australian government to grant them asylum, fearing they would face persecution in Iran for their actions. Albanese emphasized that the government was willing to assist other players if they sought help, stating, “if you want our help, help is here.” Sports journalist Raha Pourbakhsh, who works for Iran International TV, reported that at least seven players had left the team hotel, with five applying for asylum with Australian authorities. She noted that families of three of the five players had been threatened, and the whereabouts of two others remained unknown. Pourbakhsh also mentioned that Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, had been denied a visa to travel to Australia, forcing vice president Farideh Shojaei to take his place. Trump’s comments on social media highlighted the U.S. administration’s stance, with the president claiming the U.S. would grant asylum to the players if Australia did not.#donald_trump #iranian_women_s_soccer_team #australian_prime_minister_anthony_albanese #mehdi_taj #farideh_shojaei
