Two more members of Iran's visiting women's football team have claimed asylum in Australia. They were branded "traitors" at home over a pre-match protest. One player and one support member sought sanctuary before the team departed Sydney.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the two individuals were reunited with five other players who had already claimed asylum. The remaining squad members flew out of Sydney to Malaysia. Concerns were raised about potential interference from male minders accompanying the team.
Minister Burke stated each player was separated from the squad at Sydney Airport to consider their options privately. An Iranian-Australian migration agent noted the players were under significant pressure and surveillance from Iranian government officials.
Players remained silent during the anthem ahead of a tournament match in Australia, an act seen as defiance against the Islamic Republic. A presenter on Iranian state TV labeled the players "wartime traitors," raising fears of persecution if they returned home.
Five players, including captain Zahra Ghanbari, had previously left their hotel to claim asylum in Australia. Secret talks were held with the players, who were then moved to a safe house. Iran's football federation claimed the players were kidnapped and coerced into staying.