Iranian women's football team members seek asylum in Australia

During the Women's Asian Cup in Australia, several members of the Iranian women's football team requested asylum. According to Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, seven individuals initially sought refuge, though one later rescinded her decision and chose to return to Iran. The players faced intense scrutiny and were labeled "wartime traitors" by Iranian state media after some remained silent during the national anthem in a match against South Korea. Australian Federal Police assisted in separating players from team handlers to facilitate their asylum applications. The Iranian government, represented by spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, denied the claims and labeled the athletes as "hostages," urging them to return home. Following the defection of one player who contacted the Iranian embassy, the remaining asylum seekers were moved to a safe location. The rest of the team departed Australia for Tehran following their elimination from the tournament.