Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke met with five members of Iran's women's national soccer team in the early hours of Tuesday and issued them humanitarian visas, allowing them to remain in Australia rather than return to Iran. The players had escaped security personnel accompanying the delegation during the team's stay in Brisbane for the Asian Cup, a development that came to light Sunday afternoon.
"The moment it happened, it was clear there were five women who wanted to stay in Australia," Burke told reporters in Brisbane. "They were taken to a safe location by the Australian Federal Police, and I met with them there Sunday night." He said he signed off on their humanitarian visa applications that same evening. "Just after 1:30 a.m., the processing of their applications at the Home Affairs office was complete."
Burke also issued a statement on social media, writing, "Tonight I was able to tell five women from Iran's national soccer team that they are welcome to stay in Australia, to be safe, and to build a home here." He added that the option of receiving protection in Australia remained open to the other members of the squad, though they were still with Iranian escorts.
A night of drama
Australian media reported that a sixth Iranian player also requested asylum from the Australian government and joined the five who had already fled. Shortly after, the Iranian team's bus departed for the airport despite heavy pressure from protesters gathered outside. The remaining players were reportedly still weighing whether to stay in Australia or return to their country.
Reports also emerged that another player attempted to get off the bus in an effort to flee but was pushed back inside by members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who were traveling with the delegation. The total number of asylum seekers later rose to seven.
Trump steps in
The affair drew international attention. US President Donald Trump spoke by phone overnight with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and afterward praised him for the decision to protect the players.
"There are already five under protection and the others are on their way," Trump wrote on his Truth Social account. He also noted that some players feared returning to Iran due to concerns about reprisals against their family members, including threats made against them if the players did not come back.
The distress signal that started it all
Calls for action from human rights organizations intensified after several players were seen, at the conclusion of the team's final match in the Asian Cup on Sunday, apparently performing the international distress signal.
At least one player was seen through the team bus window raising an open palm, folding her thumb inward, and closing her four fingers over it – a gesture widely recognized as a call for help. Protesters who had gathered around the bus expressed support for the team, and the players were seen documenting what was happening from the bus windows on their way from the stadium.
