Six Iranian women’s football players granted asylum in Australia

Australia has confirmed that it has granted asylum to six members of the Iranian women’s football team.

They have received humanitarian visas over concerns for their safety should they return to Iran.

This was after they refused to sing the ⁠national anthem before their first Asia Cup match in Australia. The team later sang the anthem at other matches.

Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke explained that before the team’s departure on Tuesday night, all the women were taken aside individually by Australian officials and interpreters, without Iranian minders present, and offered asylum as they passed through security.

“They were given a choice… In that situation, what we made sure of was that there was no rushing, there was no pressure,” he said. 

The five team members immediately accepted the offer, with a further two accepting on the night of their scheduled departure.

One member changed her mind and decided to go back to Iran.

The six have received temporary humanitarian visas, which are a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

The remaining Iranian players left Australia on Tuesday night local time.

To listen to world news correspondent Vicki Turner in conversation with 702’s Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below (skip to 1.52):