Five members of the Iranian women’s football team have been granted humanitarian visas in Australia following their elimination from the Asian Cup, the government in Canberra said.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the women “were moved to a safe location” by Australian police. He added that other squad members had been told they were welcome to stay in the country.
The women had been due to fly home but supporters raised fears for their safety after the team declined to sing the national anthem ahead of their match against South Korea last week, as a protest against the Islamic regime.
This prompted criticism in Iran, with one commentator accusing the team of being “wartime traitors” and calling for harsh punishment.
