Iran says women’s football captain has withdrawn Australia asylum bid

The captain of Iran's women's football team, Zahra Ghanbari, has withdrawn her asylum application in Australia, according to Iranian state media. Ghanbari, along with three other players and a staff member, initially sought asylum after competing in the Women's Asian Cup. This brings the total to five members of the Iranian delegation who have reversed their decisions. Seven members in total had sought asylum after being labeled "traitors" for not singing the national anthem. Allegations have surfaced that the players were pressured to return to Iran through threats against their families, while Iranian authorities accuse Australia of encouraging them to stay. Ghanbari will now travel to Malaysia before returning to Iran.

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