Iranian women footballers offered ‘place to train, play and belong’ by Australian team after being granted asylum | OneFootball

Five members of Iran’s women’s football team have been granted asylum in Australia, with Brisbane Roar swiftly offering them a place to train, play, and find a new community.

The players sought refuge amid profound fears of persecution if they were to return to Iran, having notably refused to sing the national anthem before their first match at the Asian Cup last week.

Home affairs minister Tony Burke confirmed on Monday that the players had successfully completed the formal humanitarian visa process, thereby securing their right to remain in Australia.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Burke revealed the Australian Federal Police (AFP) had provided assistance to the five women, helping them leave their team base and enter a safe house, where he subsequently met with them.

He also extended the same invitation for asylum to other members of the squad, stating unequivocally: "The same opportunity is there."

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Tony Burke (third right) confirmed the five footballers had been granted asylum

Brisbane Roar, a prominent Australian football club, expressed immense admiration for the players' courage and talent.

In a statement published on their X account, the club declared: "Like many Australians, everyone at Brisbane Roar FC has been watching the story of the Iran women’s national football team players now here in Queensland with immense admiration."

Addressing the players directly, the statement continued: "These are elite footballers — passionate, talented women who love the game just as deeply as we do."

The club specifically named Fatemeh, Zahra, Zahra, Atefeh, and Mona, adding: "We’d be honoured to open our doors and offer you a place to train, play, and belong and will begin to explore how to make this happen. No politics. No conditions. Just football, community, and a warm welcome. Queensland is your home now."

Roar’s men’s and women’s teams both compete in their respective A-Leagues, Australia’s top flight.

United States president Donald Trump had previously exerted pressure on Australia to act, indicating he would grant asylum to the players himself if Australia did not.