Five members of the Iranian women's national football team have sought asylum in Australia following their exit from the Asian Cup, according to reports. The players, who were staying on the Gold Coast, managed to slip away from team handlers and are now under police protection. The decision to stay or return home is fraught with danger, as tensions in the Middle East escalate and the players face potential persecution in Iran.
The team has been under intense scrutiny after failing to sing the national anthem in their first match, leading to accusations of being 'wartime traitors' by state-linked commentators. Subsequent matches saw the players singing or mouthing the anthem's words and saluting, but fears for their safety persist. 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, emphasised the urgency of the situation. 'The Iranian officials accompanying the team would be wanting to get them out of Australia as quickly as possible,' he said. 'And that does create a sense of urgency.' Protesters briefly blocked the team bus after Sunday's match, waving a hand signal for help, which some players appeared to return.
Fifpro Asia president Beau Busch said his organisation is working with the Australian government, Fifa, and the Asian Football Confederation to protect the players' human rights. 'That's going to be really difficult, but Fifa has a statutory obligation in relation to human rights to ensure that they exert that leverage, and we expect them to do so,' he said. The Liberal opposition has called on the Labor government to provide asylum if the players request it.
Legal experts have noted Australia's obligations under the Refugee Convention to protect individuals from returning to countries where they face persecution. However, asylum claims typically require formal lodgement, and the players are reportedly being monitored and unable to do so. Exit trafficking, a criminal offence under Australian law, may also be relevant if the players are coerced into leaving the country.
