Five members of the Iranian women's national football team have sought asylum in Australia amid fears for their safety if they return home. The players, who were in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup, managed to slip away from team handlers and are now under police protection.
The situation escalated after the team failed to sing the national anthem in their first match, prompting a state-linked commentator to label them "wartime traitors" and call for them to be "dealt with more severely." In subsequent games, the players sang the anthem and saluted.
Those who remain in Australia face cutting ties with family and friends in Iran, who may be vulnerable under a regime that has killed tens of thousands. Daniel Ghezelbash, director of the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law at UNSW, said time is of the essence as Iranian officials will want to get the team out of Australia quickly.
Protesters blocked the team bus after their final match, waving a hand gesture for help. Some players appeared to return the gesture, but it remains unclear what each individual wants or the status of their families back home.
Fifpro Asia president Beau Busch said his organisation is in communication with the Australian government, Fifa, and the Asian Football Confederation to protect the players' human rights. The Liberal opposition has called on the Labor government to provide asylum if requested.
Human rights experts say Australia has an obligation under the Refugee Convention to protect the players from persecution, but asylum claims traditionally require formal lodgement. Exit trafficking laws may also apply if the players are coerced into leaving Australia.
