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Five Iranian women's soccer players to seek asylum in Australia after leaving team's handlers: Report
Five players sought asylum on Australia's Gold Coast fearing persecution after being labeled 'wartime traitors' for anthem silence, with over 66,000 signing a petition, FIFPRO said.
- Reza Pahlavi named the five players who left the training camp on March 9, 2026, seeking refuge in Australia: Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi.
- Refusing to sing the national anthem triggered the controversy as Iran's women's national football team initially protested, while Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting labelled them 'wartime traitors'; tensions rose after air strikes on Feb. 28.
- At the Gold Coast stadium, players signalled 'help' in sign language from inside their team bus as supporters surrounded and briefly blocked it, chanting and waving pre-1979 Lion and Sun flags after Iran's elimination on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
- FIFPRO, global players' union, said it could not contact the squad and voiced serious welfare concerns as more than 66,000 petition signatories urged Australia not to return the players.
- A small window at the airport may allow asylum claims despite heavy monitoring, but it is unclear if players will accept due to possible repercussions for players' families, experts and advocates including Amnesty International said.
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The Toronto StarReposted by 
The Hamilton Spectator
The Hamilton SpectatorAustralia grants asylum to 5 members of the Iranian women’s soccer team, official says
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Australia has granted asylum to five members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who were visiting the country for a tournament when the Iran war
·Toronto, Canada
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Fears mount for Iran women's soccer team after anthem silence at Asian Cup
President Trump said that Australia was 'making a terrible humanitarian mistake' by allowing Iran's national women's soccer team to be sent back to the Islamic Republic after they refused to sing their national anthem before a match at the Asian Cup, which is being held in Australia
·Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources140
Leaning Left24Leaning Right40Center40Last UpdatedBias Distribution39% Center, 38% Right
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources are Center, 38% of the sources lean Right
39% Center
L 23%
C 39%
R 38%
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