Australia grants asylum to 5 Iranian women's soccer players

The players requested asylum after their team was knocked out of a tournament as the Iran war began.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Australia has granted asylum to five members of the Iranian women's soccer team who were visiting the country for a tournament when the Iran war began. The announcement came after days of urging by Iranian groups in Australia and U.S. President Donald Trump for the Australian government to help the women, who had not spoken publicly about a wish to claim asylum.

Why it matters

The decision to grant asylum to the Iranian soccer players highlights the difficult situation faced by athletes and citizens in Iran amid the ongoing conflict. It also demonstrates Australia's willingness to provide refuge to those fleeing the violence and upheaval in Iran.

The details

Early Tuesday, Australian federal police officers transported five of the women from their hotel in Gold Coast, Australia, 'to a safe location' after they made asylum requests. There, they met with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and the processing of their humanitarian visas was finalized. The remaining 21 players in the squad, as well as other Iranians, face an uncertain future as they consider whether to also request asylum.

  • The Iranian team arrived in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup last month, before the Iran war began on Feb. 28.
  • The team was knocked out of the tournament over the weekend and faced the prospect of returning to a country under bombardment.

The players

Tony Burke

Australian federal Home Affairs Minister who met with the women and finalized the processing of their humanitarian visas.

Anthony Albanese

Australian Prime Minister who said the women "are safe here and they should feel at home here."

Donald Trump

U.S. President who called on Australia to grant asylum to any team member who wanted it.

Marziyeh Jafari

Head coach of the Iranian women's soccer team, who said the players "want to come back to Iran as soon as we can."

Sara Didar

Iranian forward who choked back tears in a news conference as she shared the team's concerns for their families and all Iranians.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want to begin to imagine how difficult that decision is for each of the individual women, but certainly last night it was joy, it was relief.”

— Tony Burke, Australian Home Affairs Minister (cnyhomepage.com)

“Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They're safe here and they should feel at home here.”

— Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister (cnyhomepage.com)

“The U.S. will take them if you won't.”

— Donald Trump (cnyhomepage.com)

“People were very excited about embarking on a life in Australia.”

— Tony Burke, Australian Home Affairs Minister (cnyhomepage.com)

What’s next

The remaining 21 players in the squad, as well as other Iranians, face an uncertain future as they consider whether to also request asylum.

The takeaway

This decision by Australia to grant asylum to the Iranian women's soccer players highlights the difficult choices faced by Iranians amid the ongoing conflict, and demonstrates the country's willingness to provide refuge to those fleeing the violence and upheaval in Iran.