Trump says Australia has ‘taken care of’ some Iranian women footballers

Following the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Queensland, Australia, concerns arose for Iran's women's football team after they faced potential repercussions for not singing their national anthem. US President Donald Trump, currently in conflict with Iran, stated that Australia has "taken care of" five team members seeking asylum. According to media reports, these players are under the protection of the Australian Federal Police. Trump urged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to grant asylum to the entire team, warning of potential danger if they were forced to return to Iran. Reports indicate Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke met with the women to discuss their situation.

Following their elimination from the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 in Australia, concerns have arisen regarding the safety of the Iranian women's football team upon their return home. The global footballers union, FIFPRO, and rights activists are urging the Australian government and tournament organizers to extend the team's stay due to alleged threats and the players being labeled "wartime traitors" for not singing the national anthem. FIFPRO has expressed difficulty contacting the players and is working with FIFA, the AFC, and the Australian government to ensure their protection. The organization aims to give the players agency in deciding their next steps amid the ongoing Israeli-United States war. The team's head coach insists the players are eager to return home.

FIFPRO has expressed serious concerns for the welfare of the Iranian women's football team as they prepare to return to Iran from Australia. The concerns arose after the team refused to sing their national anthem before an Asian Cup match, leading to them being labeled "wartime traitors." The incident occurred against the backdrop of US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. During the tournament in Australia, fans protested, booed the anthem, and expressed fears for the players' safety, even attempting to block the team's coach. A petition with over 66,000 signatures is urging the Australian government to prevent the team's departure due to credible safety concerns. FIFPRO has been unable to contact the players to discuss potential asylum options.

In Australia on March 9, 2026, crowds pursued a bus transporting Iran's women's football team. The incident occurred after the team reportedly refused to sing the national anthem at the Asian Cup. The crowds chanted "save our girls" and urged the Australian government to grant the players asylum. The motivation behind the crowd's actions stemmed from concerns regarding the safety and well-being of the Iranian players upon their potential return to Iran. The incident highlights a potential protest or expression of solidarity with the team's actions.

Concerns are growing for the safety of the Iranian women's football team as they prepare to return to Iran after being eliminated from the Asian Cup in Australia. The team initially declined to sing the national anthem during their first match against South Korea, prompting criticism and accusations of treason in Iran. Supporters are urging FIFA and Australian authorities to ensure the team's safety, especially after they sang the anthem in subsequent games, leading to speculation of coercion by Iranian officials. During the final match, fans booed the anthem and displayed the pre-revolution Iranian flag in support of the team. Human rights advocates are calling for external support to protect the team's right to express concerns about their safety.