Five Iran women’s football players granted asylum in Australia after hotel escape

• Five members of the Iran women’s national football team granted humanitarian visas in Australia
• Players were moved to a safe location by the Australian Federal Police after leaving their team hotel
• The case drew attention from Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese

Five members of the Iran women’s national football team have been granted asylum in Australia after leaving their team’s hotel in Brisbane amid concerns about their safety if they returned to Iran.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the players had been issued humanitarian visas after requesting protection.

Burke said discussions about protecting the players began early on Monday after it became clear that several members of the team wanted to remain in Australia.

“Once that happened it was made clear that there were five women who wanted to be able to stay in Australia,” Burke told reporters in Brisbane.

“They were moved to a safe location by the Australian Federal Police, and last night I met with them at that location.”

Burke said he approved the humanitarian visa applications late Monday evening and the processing was completed shortly after 1:30 a.m. by the Department of Home Affairs.

“I say to the other members of the team the same opportunity is there,” Burke added.

The rest of the squad remain with their Iranian team officials.

The situation developed after the team’s participation in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where concerns were raised after some players refused to sing the Iranian national anthem before one of their matches.

The case attracted international attention and prompted communication between Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese.

Trump later praised the Australian government in a post on Truth Social.

“He’s on it. Five have already been taken care of and the rest are on their way,” Trump wrote.

He added that some players may still choose to return to Iran because of concerns about the safety of their families.

Advocacy groups had earlier urged Australian authorities to intervene after the players appeared to signal for help following their final match of the tournament on Sunday.

Video footage showed at least one player making an international hand signal associated with requests for assistance while leaving the stadium on the team bus.

Supporters and protesters gathered near the bus, while players inside appeared to film the crowd through the windows as the team departed.