Australia grants humanitarian visas to five Iran women's players | OneFootball

Five players from Iran's women's national team will remain in Australia after being granted humanitarian visas following the Asian Cup, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

According to Superdeporte, the footballers had sought assistance not to return to Iran after the tournament.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said talks with the squad began early on Monday, and that five then chose to stay, after which they were moved to a secure location with support from federal police.

The move came after US President Donald Trump urged the Australian government on Monday to offer asylum to the team, adding that Washington would receive the players if Australia declined.

Burke stressed the athletes are seeking personal safety rather than political activism, and said he had consulted ASIO chief Mike Burgess, who raised no security objections before visas were approved.

He described their decision as incredibly difficult, noting that not all Iran players will make the same choice, and said what matters is that they can decide their own future.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said those who sought help are safe in Australia and should feel at home, and that support remains available to others if they request it.

Albanese added he had spoken by phone with Trump, who voiced concern about the players' safety if they returned to Iran, and said he had been able to update him on their protection.

Source: Superdeporte