5 Iranian female footballers granted Australian visas after anthem protest
What's the story
Australia has granted asylum to five Iranian female soccer players after they were branded "wartime traitors" for not singing their national anthem before an Asian Cup match. The players, including team captain Zahra Ghanbari, sought protection amid fears of persecution back home. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the athletes had been moved to a safe location by Australian police and were under their protection.
Visa approval
Conversations about seeking asylum were ongoing
Burke revealed that conversations about seeking asylum had been ongoing for several days before the players were granted humanitarian visas. "Once everything had been signed off last night, there were lots of photos, lots of celebrating," Burke said. The team had refused to sing the anthem before their match against South Korea on March 2.
Media reaction
Anthem controversy and subsequent backlash
Iranian state media slammed the players as "wartime traitors" for their actions. In their subsequent matches against Australia and the Philippines, the team sang the anthem amid speculation of coercion by members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The women were reportedly compelled to sing the anthem and perform the military salute but were recorded signing 'Help' as they were driven away following their 2-0 loss to the Philippines last week.
Public reaction
Five players escaped from their handlers
After Iran's defeat to the Philippines, protests erupted with demonstrators chanting "let them go" near the team's bus. Reports indicated that five players managed to escape their handlers at their hotel in Gold Coast. Australian officials identified the players as Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Mona Hamoudi, Ghanbari, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanizadeh. Burke said the offer of asylum was open for other squad members still at the hotel but acknowledged some may choose to return home due to family safety concerns.