Australia Gives Asylum to Five Iranian Female Soccer Players
Islamic Republic of Iran players leave the field following a match against Philippines at Gold Coast Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia on March 8.
Photographer: Albert Perez/Getty ImagesAustralia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian female soccer players who sought asylum, citing fears for their safety after the team declined to sing the national anthem during a match on the Gold Coast last week.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Tuesday that the government is willing to provide similar assistance to the rest of the Iranian women’s team, the Lionesses, noting that “this is a very delicate situation and it is up to them” to decide.