Three members of Iran’s women’s national football team have decided to return to Tehran after being granted humanitarian visas in Australia, marking another dramatic turn in a saga that has drawn global attention.
Players Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Sarbali, and a team support staff member departed Australia last night for Kuala Lumpur, where they reunited with teammates also heading back to Iran. Their decision comes after days of uncertainty following the Women’s Asian Cup, during which several players fled their team hotel fearing persecution if they returned home.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the women were repeatedly given opportunities to discuss their options but ultimately chose to rejoin their team. “While the Australian government can ensure that opportunities are provided and communicated, we cannot remove the context in which the players are making these incredibly difficult decisions,” he said.
Last week, seven players and staff sought asylum, citing fears of punishment under Iran’s strict penal code, where charges such as corruption or treason can carry long prison terms or even the death penalty. One of the seven later reversed their decision and returned to Iran, and now three more have followed.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed concern for the women’s safety, saying he could “only imagine the pressure” they were under. “The job was always to provide the opportunity for them to stay if they wanted to. We can’t and haven’t sought to compel an outcome, and I hope they’re OK,” he said.
The remaining asylum seekers continue to hold humanitarian visas as the situation evolves.
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