SYDNEY, March 10 – Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women’s soccer players after their elimination from the Asian Cup, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Tuesday, amid concern they could face persecution if they return to their home nation.
“Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They’re safe here and they should feel at home here,” Albanese told reporters in Canberra, confirming the visas had been issued.
The announcement came after concerns were raised that the women could face persecution upon their return to Iran after they refused to sing the national anthem during their first match in the Asian Cup tournament being hosted by Australia.
U.S. President Donald Trump was among those calling on Canberra to intervene, posting on social media that Australia was “making a terrible humanitarian mistake” by allowing the team to be sent back to Iran.
Albanese confirmed that he had a “positive discussion” about the situation during a phone call with Trump early Tuesday. In an updated social media post, he was commended by Trump for his action in granting the visas.
The Australian leader said his country is willing to provide assistance to other members of the Iranian team but noted “this is a very delicate situation and it is up to them.”
