The Iranian women’s national football team departed Australia late Tuesday, but six members including players and support staff remained behind after being granted humanitarian visas (with pathways to permanent residency).
This follows initial grants to five players, followed by two more before departure, though one later changed her mind and returned home.
This development stems from concerns over their safety returning to Iran amid ongoing conflict and reports of risks tied to the team’s refusal to sing the national anthem during a recent Women’s Asian Cup match.
Australian officials, including Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, confirmed the visas and emphasized that the women are welcome to stay for their safety.
Some members of the delegation, whom Australian officials identified as having ties to Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were not offered visas.
Earlier, Minister Tony Burke posted an image on social media of the seven women awarded humanitarian visas, clearly showing their identities.
The Iranian women’s national football team drew significant attention during the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup in Australia when every player stood in complete silence, refusing to sing the national anthem before their opening match against South Korea.
This act occurring amid the ongoing conflict involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran was widely interpreted as a subtle form of protest against the regime, though some observers suggested it could have been an expression of mourning for those killed in the attacks.
The team did not provide any official explanation for the silence. In subsequent matches, including against Australia and others, the players sang the anthem and performed a military salute, marking a clear reversal from their initial stance.
The squad was in Australia solely for the tournament.
Iranian officials have strongly rejected suggestions that the players would face danger upon returning home, with one statement declaring: “No one has the right to interfere in the family affairs of the Iranian nation and play the role of a nanny who is kinder than a mother.
“This response came amid the controversy surrounding several members of Iran’s women’s national football team who were granted humanitarian visas in Australia following the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
