Iranian Women’s Soccer Player Reverses Australia Asylum Decision

One of the two members of the Iranian women’s soccer team granted asylum by Australia on Tuesday night has decided to withdraw her claim and return to Iran, according to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

On Wednesday morning, Burke said Australia had granted asylum to a sixth player and a support staff member of the Iranian delegation — bringing the total to seven — after the duo sought protection shortly before they were due to fly out on Tuesday night. However, one of the women reversed her decision hours later, opting to return Iran, Burke told Parliament.