US EditionTrump says Australia has taken care of some Iranian women soccer players
Five Iranian players sought asylum in Australia amid fears of persecution for anthem protest, with U.S. President Trump urging Australia to protect the team or the U.S. would intervene.
- On Mar 9, 2026, Trump said, 'Five have already been taken care of' after urging Australia to grant asylum to Iran's women’s soccer team, with the US ready to accept them if needed.
- Iranian state media labelled the Iran women's national football team's anthem silence on Mar 2, 2026 as dishonour, with presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi saying, 'Traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely', raising fears of persecution.
- Several players evaded their handlers and entered protective custody with the Australian Federal Police, while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke met them in Brisbane as bridging visas were arranged.
- More than 50,000 people have signed a petition calling for protection, while FIFA said it was in close contact with Australian authorities and FIFPRO expressed serious concern.
- Against that backdrop, observers pointed out that Trump's asylum offer contrasts with the Trump administration's record of deportations and sits within a history of defections at sporting events, like the 1956 Hungarian Olympics, when nearly half of the delegation defected, as David Hejmanowski wrote.
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87 Articles
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bagaei criticized on Tuesday the Australian government’s decision to grant asylum to five footballers from Iran’s women’s team who remain in the country after participating in the Asian Cup and considered that they are being taken “as hostages”“They killed more than 165 innocent Iranian schoolgirls in a double attack with Tomahawk (cruise missile) in the city of Minab, and now they want to take our athlet…
Trump Demands Australia Save Iranian Women Who Defied Tehran’s Sharia Regime on the World Stage
Australia was sending those brave girls to a certain death. Until Trump stepped in. "Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed. Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM. The U.S. will take them if you won’t…" – @POTUS pic.twitter.com/OTIsmVavJR — The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 9, 2026 During Iran’s national anth…
After her silent protest at the Asia Cup, the Iranian women's football team is facing persecution in their home country. In Australia, five female players are now experiencing an emotional new beginning. But the concern for the rest of the team remains.
Protesters attempt to blockade Iranian soccer team from leaving Australia hotel
Protesters blocked the bus with the Iranian women's football team from leaving their hotel in Australia earlier today.Once the group had left the Royal Pines Resort in Queensland, where they were staying while playing in the Asian Cup tournament, the team boarded a flight at the Gold Coast Airport. Footage shows protesters throwing their hands up in front of the white bus forming a line, with one individual lying in front of the vehicle.Yesterda…
Iranian National Women's Soccer Team Members Get Asylum In Australia After Trump Tells PM He Was Making A 'Terrible Mistake'
Donald Trump urged Australia to grant asylum to members of the Iran women's national football team after their silent anthem protest at the AFC Women's Asian Cup sparked safety concerns, with Australia ultimately giving protection to five players and exiled prince Reza Pahlavi thanking Trump for raising the issue.
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