Iranian Footballer’s Mother Pleads While The Team Faces Humanitarian Crisis

On March 11, 2026, ABC News reported that seven members of the Iranian women’s football team sought asylum in Australia following the Women’s Asian Cup. While six members remained in Australia under humanitarian visas, one player chose to return to Iran at the final moment before her flight departed from Sydney Airport.

The player who returned had initially intended to stay in Australia. However, community members and sources close to the team reported she reversed her decision due to concerns for her family’s safety. ABC News confirmed it had heard a voice note sent by the player’s mother to a member of the Iranian-Australian community. In the recording, the mother urged her daughter not to return to Iran, stating that she would be killed if she did.

The Iranian government had previously labeled the team “wartime traitors” after players refused to sing the national anthem during their opening match against South Korea. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that the Australian government granted visas to those who requested protection, but noted that some players felt compelled to return to Iran because of threats and intimidation directed at their families.