Five players from Iran's women's national football team have been granted political asylum in Australia after seeking protection from Australian authorities during the team's stay in the country for the Women's Asian Cup.
The decision was confirmed by Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who stated that the players are now safe and that they "are welcome to remain in Australia", writes "AFP", reports "Gazeta Express".
According to reports, the players decided to seek asylum due to fear of punishment in Iran, especially after the team was criticized in the country for several actions during the tournament, including refusing to sing the national anthem before a match.
The five players who received humanitarian visas are: Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Ghanbari, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanizadeh.
The Australian government announced that other players on the Iranian team could also seek asylum if they feel at risk.
The incident has attracted widespread international attention, and human rights organizations have called for the safety of the players and their families to be guaranteed. /Express newspaper
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