Iran women’s football team return home after abandoning asylum claims
The Iranian women’s football team have returned to Iran via the Turkish border on Wednesday after five squad members withdrew asylum claims initially lodged in Australia.
Authorities in Australia had originally granted humanitarian visas to six players and a staff member following the Women’s Asian Cup.
The group sought refuge over fears of severe persecution if they travelled back to their home country.
These safety concerns arose after several players refused to sing the national anthem before their opening tournament fixture.
Backlash and political turmoil
The controversial anthem protest coincided with the outbreak of major conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
State television in the Middle Eastern nation subsequently branded the silent athletes as “wartime traitors” during the height of the geopolitical crisis.
The Asian Cup campaign itself was completely overshadowed by the ongoing war, which recently resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The national side were eventually eliminated from the competition more than a week ago before their protracted journey home began.
Lengthy journey across borders
Five of the individuals who originally requested Australian protection ultimately reversed their decision to seek permanent refuge.
The returning contingent initially reunited with the broader squad in Kuala Lumpur after departing Sydney last week.
They flew into Istanbul on Tuesday before taking an onward domestic flight to Igdir in eastern Turkey on Wednesday morning.
The athletes eventually crossed into Iranian territory via the Gurbulak border gate following a two-hour bus transit.
Two players remain overseas
The Iranian Football Association previously released a statement addressing the individuals who reversed their asylum requests.
“To once again be embraced by their families and homeland.”
However, two members of the national setup have chosen not to return and currently remain in Australia.
Those absent players have recently been pictured training with a local club in the A-League.
