Iranian footballers granted political asylum in Australia
A sensational incident involving members of the Iranian women's national team occurred during the Asian Cup tournament held in Australia. Zamin.uz reported on this matter.
During the playing of the Iranian national anthem at the prestigious tournament, a group of players in the team refused to sing it. This controversial situation was sharply criticized by Iranian officials, who described it as an affront to national honor and a peak of shame.
Fearing serious persecution and danger upon returning home, five athletes were forced to seek political asylum from the Australian government. Tengrinews.kz reported on this development.
Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke announced that he had approved the humanitarian visa applications of these athletes. Currently, the female footballers are under the protection of the Australian police and have been relocated to a safe location.
US President Donald Trump also expressed his stance on the situation, emphasizing that the athletes should not be sent back to their homeland. According to him, if Australia did not accept them, the United States was ready to take them under its protection.
According to CNN Sports, at least seven athletes have left the Iranian national team. While five of them have been officially granted protection, the fate of the remaining two remains unknown for now.
It is also reported that some players, concerned about the safety of their family members, wish to return home. The Iranian women's national team had exited the tournament after missing an opportunity in their final group stage match against the Philippines national team.
Source: Tengrinews.kz
