Australia Grants Asylum To Five Iranian Women Footballers After Growing Calls For Their Safety

Branded as ‘traitors’ back home after refusing to sing national anthem, five Iranian women footballers have been granted asylum by Australia. Perceived widely as a symbol of defiance, Iranian footballers went silent when the national anthem was played before the start of a tournament in Australia earlier this month.

Five players, including captain Zahra Ghanbari, left the team hotel in Gold Coast under the cover of darkness to claim sanctuary from Australian officials. They were transported by the Australian federal police officers to a safe location.

They met Australia Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke following which the processing of their humanitarian visas was finalised.