Member of Iranian football delegation granted Australian asylum changes her mind
Member of Iranian Football Delegation Changes Mind on Australian Asylum
Australia’s immigration authorities confirmed that one of two Iranian football team members who had initially agreed to stay in the country has decided to leave. Immigration Minister Tony Burke explained the shift during a parliamentary address, stating that the individual, after consulting with teammates who had departed, opted to return to Iran. This marks the first reversal in the asylum decision for the delegation, which had earlier been granted temporary protection.
Context of the Asylum Offers
The two members—comprising a player and a support staff representative—had previously joined five others who were granted visas due to safety concerns. These five were relocated to a secure location by police following their initial decision to remain. However, the latest change has left the remaining delegation members in a different position. Burke emphasized that the decision was made voluntarily, with all necessary questions addressed by officials.
“In Australia people are able to change their mind. We respect the context in which she had made that decision,” Burke said. “Unfortunately, in making that decision, she’d been advised by her teammates and coach to contact the Iranian embassy and to get collected.”
The team’s actions during the Asian Cup have drawn attention. Before their elimination on Sunday, they had not sung the national anthem in a match against South Korea, raising questions about their willingness to show allegiance. This incident led to some members of the delegation seeking asylum, while others were separated at their Gold Coast hotel. Two individuals, Mohaddeseh Zolfi and Zahra Soltan Meshkeh Kar, were taken to a Brisbane police facility after indicating they wished to stay.
As the delegation prepared to depart on Tuesday night, officials reiterated the asylum offer to most members at Sydney Airport. A significant police presence was reported to ensure players could speak privately with immigration staff and contact family. Despite the opportunity, none of the remaining members accepted the stay. One, however, boarded the plane late after conversations with loved ones.
Burke noted that the individual’s choice was independent, with no pressure to leave. He also mentioned that a small group of minders from the Iranian government were not invited to remain. “There are some leaving Australia who I am glad are not in Australia,” he said, reflecting on the team’s return to Iran.
The team arrived at Sydney Airport from the Gold Coast, where the Asia Cup was held. Supporters and protesters gathered, expressing mixed reactions to their departure. Some members of the delegation had signaled for assistance, highlighting the tension surrounding their decision. The humanitarian visa program, which provides permanent residency to refugees and those in need, remains central to the situation. Repercussions in Iran for those who refused to sing the anthem are yet to be determined, though a conservative commentator on state media labeled them “wartime traitors.”
