US EditionIran women's soccer team returns home after some players sought asylum, Iranian media reports
Five players withdrew asylum claims amid safety fears and pressure, returning to Iran while two teammates remain in Australia training with Brisbane Roar, Australian officials said.
- On Wednesday, Iran's national women's soccer team returned to Tehran and received a formal welcome ceremony where fans waved flags and players signed mini-soccer balls.
- After the weekend, several players who sought asylum in Australia withdrew their claims, following the squad's arrival shortly before Feb. 28, 2026.
- The squad first drew attention when several players stayed silent during Iran's national anthem, an act described as resistance or mourning, while Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh remained in Australia training with the Brisbane Roar club.
- Officials and players offered public reassurances following the return, with Mohammad Reza Aref, Iranian first Vice President, saying the government guarantees their security last week, and midfielder Fatemeh Shaban expressing happiness and surprise at the turnout.
- Coverage by CNN and AP highlights international interest in the women's soccer team's return after the squad's March appearance at the Women's Asian Cup in Australia.
146 Articles
146 Articles
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Iran women's football team feted in Tehran after asylum battle
PARIS (AFP): Iranian authorities gave the national women's football team a hero's welcome after returning from Australia where some had made and then withdrawn asylum claims, amid accusations Iran had pressured their families. Read full story
Political tug of war over Iranian women's soccer team prompts criticism in Australia
The United States and Australia’s political tug of war against Iran over the fates of seven members of the Iranian women’s soccer squad who were torn in between appears to have ended with the depleted team returning home minus the two players who defec...
The stirring journey of the Iranian football women is over. In the evening they are celebrated by several thousand people in the capital Tehran. However, bizarre pictures are created.
Iranian women’s soccer team returns home after declining asylum in Australia: report
Earlier this month, Australia granted asylum to five members of the Iranian women's soccer team who were visiting the country for a tournament when the U.S. and Israel launched a joint military campaign against the country. The remaining members of the team faced uncertainty.After the team was knocked out of the Women’s Asian Cup, most of the players who initially sought asylum later changed their minds.On Wednesday, all but two ultimately retur…
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