Inside the Australian hotel where Iranian footballers escaped to claim asylum

While covering the Iranian women's football team at the AFC Women's Asian Cup on Australia's Gold Coast, journalists noticed players meeting with local Iranians at their hotel. Concerns about the team's safety arose after they were labeled "traitors" by Iranian state TV for not singing the national anthem at their first match. Activists in Australia worked to communicate with the team, fearing repercussions for them and their families if they sought asylum. After the team's elimination from the tournament, a group of players met with activists in the hotel lobby, later seen heading outside where Australian Federal Police were present. The incident suggests some players may have been seeking asylum after their final match.

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