Three more Iranian footballers to return home

Three more members of the Iranian Women’s Football Team chose to return to Iran with the rest of their team, just days after they were granted humanitarian visas.

Members who announced the decision to Australian Government officials last night were “given the chance to talk about their options”, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said on Sunday morning.

He said: “The Australian Government can ensure that opportunities are provided and delivered, but we cannot take away the context in which players make these incredibly difficult decisions.”

Days before their return to Iran, seven members applied for humanitarian visas to stay in Australia permanently.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke with five members of the Iran women’s football team who were granted asylum in Australia. instagram Credit: NewsTel

Anger flared in Iran when its football team remained silent and refused to sing the Iranian anthem on March 2 in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup home opener on the Gold Coast, two days after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

Members of the Iran women's football team arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 11, 2026. Image: NewsWire Statement — Members of the Iran women’s football team arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 11, 2026. NewsWire Statement Credit: NewsTel

The team was called “wartime traitors” by a broadcaster on the Islamic Republic of Iran’s state television, raising concerns about their safety and that of their families back home.

Under the Islamic Republic’s criminal code, treason can be a serious crime punishable by imprisonment or the death penalty.

The Australian Government said of the four members who remained in Australia due to asylum that they were “doing everything we can to ensure these women are given the chance of a safe future in Australia”.

“Australians should be proud that our country is where these women experience a nation that gives them real options and interact with officials who want to help them.”

Players of the Iranian women's football team seek asylum and protection in Australia after being stigmatized "traitors" He is at home because he refuses to sing the National Anthem. Image: NewsWire Statement — Players of the Iranian women’s football team have sought asylum and protection in Australia after being branded “traitors” in their home country for refusing to sing the national anthem. NewsTel Notification Credit: NewsTel

Dramatic scenes broke out after protesters tried to stop the bus taking Iran’s women’s football team away from their hotel on the Gold Coast.

The Iranian team was staying there to participate in the Women’s Asian Cup. The team lost all three matches in the group.

Before the coach departed, Mr Burke confirmed that five members of the Iran women’s football team had been granted humanitarian visas after expressing their desire to remain in Australia.

But the rest of the team were reportedly taken to Gold Coast airport despite intervention from protesters who were driven away by a large contingent of police.