By Our Correspondent
National News – Two more members of the Iranian women’s football team have sought asylum in Australia following a pre-match protest that branded them as “traitors” in their home country.
The Australian government confirmed on March 11, 2026, that player Mohaddeseh Zolfi and support staffer Zahra Soltan Meshkeh Kar joined five teammates who had earlier claimed sanctuary.
The move comes amid heightened tensions after the team refused to sing Iran’s national anthem ahead of an international tournament match in Australia.
The asylum process faced a critical challenge when one team member reportedly had second thoughts and revealed the safe house location to the Iranian embassy.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that immediate measures were taken to relocate all players to ensure their security.
“As a result of that it meant the Iranian embassy now knew the location of where everybody was.
I immediately gave them instructions for people to be moved,” he said.
Each player was given time to consider asylum offers privately, separated from the squad at Sydney Airport, to ensure safety and prevent external pressures.
The drama underscores ongoing concerns about the treatment of Iranian athletes who defy state mandates.
Five players, including captain Zahra Ghanbari, had initially slipped away from the team hotel under cover of darkness to claim asylum.
While some team members later sang the national anthem in subsequent matches, human rights activists warned that the damage to their safety and reputation was already done.
Reza Pahlavi, son of the late Shah of Iran, called on the Australian government to provide full protection and support for the players amid threats from Iranian authorities.
The Asian Football Confederation confirmed that the remaining squad members were in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, awaiting onward travel, with all necessary support being coordinated during their stay.
The incident highlights the risks faced by female athletes in countries with strict political and social regulations, and Australia’s response demonstrates a commitment to human rights protections.
