Iranian Athletes Withdraw Asylum Claims in Australia

Several athletes from the Iranian national team have withdrawn their asylum applications in Australia, most recently the team captain, Zahra Ghanbari. In total, seven members of the Iranian delegation to the Asia Cup (*) had sought asylum.

According to Iranian media, Ghanbari has returned to her homeland, with IRNA news agency reporting that she is "returning to the embrace of the homeland," while Mehr news agency called the decision "patriotic."

The Australian government confirmed that the players had the opportunity to stay and continue the asylum process. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke noted that the decisions were made in an "extremely difficult and stressful environment."

The case began when the Iranian women's national team traveled to Australia for international competitive obligations. During their presence in the country, seven members of the delegation decided to seek political asylum, fearing reprisals if they returned to Iran. This decision was linked to the players' refusal to sing the national anthem before their first match, in protest of the political situation.

Activists and former athletes report that the players were pressured to return, mainly through threats to their families. Organizations of the Iranian diaspora in Australia express concern for the safety of the players.