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20/03/2026

Iranian women's soccer team members reportedly seek and withdraw asylum bids in Australia during Asian Cup

The Iranian women's national soccer team competed in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup hosted by Australia, the country's first time staging the tournament.[1]

According to a Fox News Digital report, five team members were granted asylum by Australian authorities earlier this month while in the country for the tournament. The report linked the applications to a purported joint U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran that began on February 28.

The team was eliminated from the competition after the group stage. The Fox News report stated that most players who initially sought asylum later withdrew their applications, facing uncertainty and pressure.

Unconfirmed Iranian state media reports cited in the article indicated that, as of Wednesday, all but two players had declined asylum offers and returned to Iran. Video on social media purportedly showed the players arriving via flight at Igdir airport in Turkey on March 18 before traveling by bus to the Iran border with officials present.

Fatemeh Pasandideh, a forward for the Iran national team, and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh reportedly chose to remain in Australia and have been training with A-League Women club Brisbane Roar.

The team had drawn attention prior to the tournament when some players stood silent during the national anthem before their opening match, according to the report. Calls for asylum grew after elimination amid reported bombardment in Iran, with support from Iranian diaspora groups in Australia.

Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref reportedly dismissed safety concerns last week, stating the country welcomes its citizens home with security guarantees.

Separately, U.S. President Donald Trump commented on Iran's men's national team qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.[2] In a Truth Social post dated March 12, he wrote that while welcome, their participation may not be appropriate for safety reasons.