Trump calls on Australia to grant asylum to Iran’s players participating in the Asian Cup.
On Monday, United States President Donald Trump called on Australia to provide asylum to the Iranian women’s soccer team, stating that the U.S. would extend the offer if Australia did not comply.
Concerns have arisen regarding the potential persecution the team might encounter upon their return to Iran, particularly after they refrained from singing the national anthem prior to their initial match at the Asian Cup in Gold Coast.
Typically, their return would be expected soon, as the team was eliminated in the group stage following their loss to the Philippines on Sunday; however, local media indicates that the players remain in Australia.
Reports emerged on Monday suggesting that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) had aided five squad members in departing the team base and moving to a secure location after the team’s exit from the Asian Cup on Sunday.
While the AFP and the Department of Home Affairs have not yet commented on these claims, Trump has intensified pressure on Australia to accept the entire team.
“Australia is making a grave humanitarian error by forcing the Iran National Women’s Soccer team back to Iran, where they are likely to face severe consequences,” he stated on Truth Social.
“Please reconsider, Mr. Prime Minister, and grant asylum. The U.S. will accept them if you do not. Thank you for your attention to this issue. President Donald J. Trump.”
FIFA, the global governing body for football, announced on Monday that it is in “close contact” with Australian authorities regarding the team, emphasizing that their safety and security is a top priority.
The players did sing the national anthem and salute during their last two matches, but their choice not to sing before the first game attracted criticism from supporters of the Iranian regime.
During the organization’s general assembly in Sydney on Sunday, Beau Busch, president of the global players’ union FIFPRO for Asia/Oceania, mentioned that the union had not been able to reach the Iran squad, but stressed that it is essential for FIFA, the AFC, and the Australian government to ensure the players have control over their future decisions.
“We have been urging [the Australian government] to facilitate the players’ agency,” Busch stated. “This is a very difficult situation. Some players may wish to return, while others might seek asylum or prefer to remain in Australia longer. There are also those who are deeply worried about the potential journey back home.”
The air strikes launched by the Trump administration and Israel against Iran have led to retaliatory actions by Iran targeting Gulf states that host U.S. military bases, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
This situation has resulted in travel and logistical complications across the region, jeopardizing Iraq’s aspirations to participate in a World Cup play-off match in Mexico on March 31.
Iraq’s coach, Australian Graham Arnold, has proposed scheduling the match against Bolivia or Suriname the week prior to the finals in June, allowing the victorious team to remain in North America.
He informed the Australian Associated Press (AAP) that this would also provide additional time for a decision regarding Iran’s involvement in the World Cup. He suggested that if Iran were to withdraw, Iraq could take their spot, with the UAE stepping in for Iraq in the playoffs.
Information from PA was utilized in this report.
