Australia grants humanitarian visas to five Iran women’s internationals | OneFootball

Five Iran women’s internationals will remain in Australia after being granted humanitarian visas, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the players sought assistance after the Asia Cup to avoid returning home.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said talks with the squad began in the early hours of Monday. Five then chose to stay and were moved to a secure location with Federal Police support.

The move followed a public call on Monday from US President Donald Trump urging Australia to offer asylum, adding that Washington would receive the team if the Australian government declined.

Burke said the athletes stressed they were not seeking to engage in political activism, only to ensure their personal safety, and that they were grateful for the opportunity.

He added he had consulted ASIO director general Mike Burgess before approving the visas and that there were no security objections.

The minister called the decision to seek help incredibly difficult and said not all members of Iran’s team would take the same route. He emphasised the importance of each player choosing her own future.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said those who had requested assistance were safe in Australia and should feel at home. He added the offer of support remained open to the rest of the squad.

Albanese said he had spoken by phone with Trump, who expressed concern for the players’ safety if they returned to Iran, and that he had informed him five were already under protection in a secure location.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo