Five players in Iran’s women’s soccer team have taken asylum in Australia over fears of persecution at home for not singing the national anthem before a match, the Australian government said yesterday.
The Iranian players’ silence during the anthem ahead of a Women’s Asian Cup match in Australia last week was widely seen as an act of defiance against the Islamic Republic.
Five players escaped the team hotel on Australia’s Gold Coast overnight, holing up in a “safe location” while lodging their claims for asylum, Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke said.
Photo: Reuters
“They were moved to a safe location by Australian police. I signed off last night on their applications for humanitarian visas,” Burke told reporters. “They are welcome to stay in Australia and they are safe here, and should feel at home here.”
The government said it was also ready to help other team members if they need it.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the government had prepared to help the players “for some time” and it was open to helping others in the squad.
“Once it was made clear that these women wanted assistance, the Australian Federal Police moved them to a safe location where they remain,” he said.
Australia’s intelligence service chief was also consulted, Albanese said.
“Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They’re safe here, and they should feel at home here,” he told a news conference. “We are willing to provide assistance to other women in the team, noting that this is a very delicate situation and it is up to them, but we say to them, if you want our help, help is here, and we will provide that.”
Albanese thanked the media for their “restraint” in reporting the story, saying the government wanted to let the players know that help was available in a way that did not endanger them or their families and friends at home.
A presenter on Iranian state TV had branded the players “wartime traitors” after they stood motionless during the anthem before their match against South Korea.
In subsequent games, the players saluted and sang.
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