Iranian female footballers return home from Australia after asylum attempt

Following the Asian Women's Cup in Australia in February 2026, seven members of the Iranian women's national football team initially sought humanitarian visas to stay in the country. Reports describe a dramatic escape where some players allegedly exited through emergency stairs to reach a parking garage, while others were seen signaling for help from a bus en route to the airport. The rest of the 26-member delegation departed Sydney for Malaysia on March 9. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the players were given multiple opportunities to discuss their options with authorities. While some individuals initially received humanitarian visas, the Minister confirmed that three of the players have now decided to return to Iran. This follows a previous report that one other player had also chosen to return. The situation prompted Australian authorities to investigate the status of the remaining delegation members before allowing their departure.