Donald Trump offers US asylum to Iran women’s football team after protest
US President Donald Trump has offered asylum to the Iranian women’s football team following their refusal to sing the national anthem before a match in Australia.
The players sparked international concern after remaining silent during their country’s anthem ahead of a fixture against South Korea on 2 March.
State television in the Middle Eastern nation condemned the initial act of defiance as a “pinnacle of dishonour”, despite the squad observing the anthem in two subsequent games.
Expatriate crowds in the host nation are now urging the Australian government to protect the athletes from potential retaliation.
Presidential intervention
Taking to his Truth Social platform, the American president warned that the players face grave danger if forced to return home.
“Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed.”
He directly appealed to the Australian Prime Minister to grant the squad immediate sanctuary.
“Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM. The U.S. will take them if you won’t.”
Geopolitical tensions escalate
This dramatic sporting intervention arrives during a period of extreme military volatility between Washington and Tehran.
The United States recently authorised military strikes against the Islamic Republic, resulting in the death of the country’s supreme leader.
That unprecedented military action has already plunged the wider region into deep political chaos.
Meanwhile, crowds of Iranian expats have been demonstrating outside stadiums during the ongoing tournament.
Fans were seen waving the pre-1979 Imperial Iranian flag while chanting for the safe harbour of the protesting squad.
