Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - A fifth member of the Iran women's soccer team has reversed her decision to seek asylum in Australia and returned to Iran, according to an Asian Football Confederation official.
That leaves just two of the original seven squad members still in Australia. The team had flown from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur on March 10 after being eliminated from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Four players and one support staff member have already rejoined the squad in Kuala Lumpur. No public explanation was given for the reversals, though analysts and Iranian diaspora leaders cite intense pressure from Tehran.
The Asian Football Confederation confirmed the team is waiting in Kuala Lumpur for flight arrangements back to Iran - a country now embroiled in regional conflict. General Manager Windsor Paul John said players reported no safety concerns and appeared “in high spirits.”
Iranian authorities hailed the returns as a win against Australian and U.S. political influence. Australia severed diplomatic ties with Iran in August 2025 after linking the IRGC to arson attacks on Jewish institutions in Sydney and Melbourne.
Australian Assistant Immigration Minister Matt Thistlethwaite affirmed the government respects all decisions and continues supporting the two remaining asylum seekers in undisclosed safe locations.