Sydney – The number of players from the Iranian Women’s National Team seeking asylum in Australia continues to grow, with winger Golnoosh Khosravi the latest to request protection. This comes after five members of the team applied for humanitarian visas following concerns for their safety and well-being after refusing to sing the national anthem during the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi were granted humanitarian visas by the Australian government after leaving the team’s training camp following their elimination from the tournament on Monday, March 9, 2026. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed his government’s willingness to assist the players.
“We are willing to provide assistance to other members of the team, given This represents a remarkably sensitive situation, and it’s up to them,” Albanese said during a press conference on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. “But we’ve said to them, if you want our assistance, assistance is here, and we will provide it.”
The initial group of five players sought asylum fearing for their safety back home. The Iranian women’s squad faced criticism, labeled as “traitors” by elements within Iran, after their silent protest during the national anthem before their opening match against South Korea at the Asian Cup. While the team subsequently sang the anthem in their following matches against Australia and the Philippines, the initial act of resistance sparked significant concern for their potential repercussions upon returning to Iran.
The situation has been further complicated by recent geopolitical events. According to VOA Farsi, Khosravi’s decision to remain in Australia was prompted by a message from her mother in Iran, urging her not to return home for her own safety. A video of Khosravi surrounded by supporters at Gold Coast Airport has gone viral on social media, showing fans cheering and applauding her decision to seek asylum.
The Australian Iranian Council had previously written to Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, urging the government to protect the squad members while they are in Australia, and launched an online petition garnering over 50,000 signatures calling for the players’ safety. The petition specifically requested that Australian authorities ensure no team member departs while credible fears for their safety remain and provide independent legal advice, support, and interpreters.
The remaining members of the Iranian Women’s National Team departed Australia on Tuesday evening, traveling to Kuala Lumpur. Their journey to Iran has been disrupted by the recent military strikes involving the United States and Israel, forcing them to seek alternative routes for their return. The team’s travel plans remain uncertain given the evolving geopolitical landscape.
The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, currently underway in Australia, serves as the final stage of Asian qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Australia was officially selected as the host nation in May 2024. This year’s tournament also functions as the penultimate stage of qualification for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, with the eight quarter-finalists securing a spot in the 2028 AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament. As of March 10, 2026, 18 matches have been played, with a total of 64 goals scored (an average of 3.56 per match) and an average attendance of 9,484 per match across five venues in three host cities.
The situation highlights the complex intersection of sports and politics, and the demanding choices faced by athletes from countries experiencing political turmoil. The Australian government’s response underscores the humanitarian considerations at play, while the players’ decisions reflect a desperate plea for safety and freedom.
The Iranian team’s participation in the Asian Cup was already shadowed by the ongoing conflict. Their loss to the Philippines on Sunday, March 8, 2026, forced them to contemplate returning to a country embroiled in war. The team’s silence during the anthem before their opening loss to South Korea was interpreted by some as an act of resistance and by others as a sign of mourning.
As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on the safety and well-being of the Iranian players who have sought asylum in Australia, and the challenges faced by those attempting to return home amidst a volatile geopolitical climate.
یکی دیگه از بازیکنان فوتبالیست زن—گلنوش خسروی—قبل از ترک استرالیا، پیام والدینش از ایران رو که گفتن «برنگرد و بمون اونجا. اگر برگردی اعدامت میکنن»، دریافت کرد و درست قبل از سوار شدن به هواپیما به مقصد سریلانکا، درخواست پناهندگی داد. pic.twitter.com/SuEXhmmWxs
— Wander1Mystical 2 (@CallYOnYourBS) March 10, 2026
The next match in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup will be held on March 11, 2026, with several quarter-final matchups scheduled. Further updates on the Iranian players’ asylum claims and travel arrangements are expected in the coming days.
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