Iranian Women’s Soccer Players Abandon Asylum in Australia, Reunite With Squad in Malaysia

Five members of Iran’s women’s national football team have rejoined their squad in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after abandoning earlier plans to seek asylum in Australia following the Women’s Asian Cup tournament.

The players were among a group of seven team members who initially applied for humanitarian protection visas in Australia after leaving their team camp during the tournament, citing fears of possible persecution if they returned to Iran.

However, five of the players later withdrew their asylum requests and travelled to Malaysia to reunite with the rest of the Iranian squad, which had earlier left Sydney for Kuala Lumpur after the competition.

Among those reported to have reversed their decisions are several key players, including team captain Zahra Ghanbari, who was said to have dropped her asylum bid and joined teammates travelling through Malaysia before heading back to Iran.

The asylum controversy began during the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup when several Iranian players refused to sing the country’s national anthem before a match, sparking criticism from Iranian state media and raising fears about potential repercussions if they returned home.

Human rights activists and members of the Iranian diaspora have suggested the players may have faced pressure from authorities in Tehran, including alleged threats directed at their families, though Iranian officials deny the claims.

Following the latest developments, only two members of the team are believed to remain in Australia pursuing asylum, while the rest of the squad is currently in Kuala Lumpur awaiting arrangements to travel back to Iran.

The situation has drawn global attention, highlighting the complex intersection of sports, politics and human rights in international football.