New Tork: US President Donald Trump has urged Australia to grant asylum to members of Iran’s national women’s football team, warning that forcing them to return home amid escalating regional conflict could endanger their lives.
The appeal came after the team was eliminated from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, losing 2-0 to the Philippines. Tensions arose when players stood silently during the national anthem in their opener against South Korea — a gesture Iranian state media branded as a grave insult. In their subsequent match against the hosts, the players sang the anthem and saluted, raising suspicions of government pressure.
FIFPRO, the global footballers’ union, expressed grave concern, noting the players are now being labelled “traitors” in Iran during wartime conditions, heightening risks of reprisals upon return.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Women’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed.” He directly addressed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: ‘Don’t do it, Mr Prime Minister; give ASYLUM.’ The U.S. will take them if you won’t.”
Reports indicate five players reportedly left their camp to seek protection, with some sources suggesting Australia has granted them asylum and provided police security, though the government has declined to comment publicly on individual cases, citing privacy.
Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite earlier stated the government cannot discuss specific asylum matters openly.
The incident unfolds against the backdrop of US-Israel airstrikes on Iran during the tournament, amplifying fears for the athletes’ safety. Calls for refuge, including from exiled Iranian figures like Reza Pahlavi, underscore a broader humanitarian plea as the team faces potential persecution back home.