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Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 19:32 IST
Iran’s women’s team returned home after an asylum drama in Australia, where protests, fear of backlash, and late-night escapes exposed deep tensions beyond football.
Members of Iran's women's football team arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia (AP)
Players from the Iran women’s national football team have reportedly returned home after a dramatic and politically charged episode during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
According to Fars News Agency, the squad crossed back into Iran via the Bazargan border, where they were welcomed by officials and members of the public.
From Protest to Panic
What began as a silent act of defiance, players refusing to sing the national anthem, quickly escalated into something much more threatening.
Back home, state media reportedly labelled members of the squad as “traitors," raising fears about their safety upon return.
Tensions only grew from there.
3 days ago, Iran’s Women’s Soccer Team protested the Islamic Regime by refusing to sing the national anthem.2 days ago, Iranian state media branded the women “wartime traitors."
Today, the women were desperately begging for help from inside the team bus. They are being… pic.twitter.com/bZgZ5XGo5B
— The Persian Jewess (@persianjewess) March 9, 2026
Reports emerged of SOS signals sent from the team bus, protests surrounding the squad, and even a late-night hotel escape involving several players.
Players from Iran’s women’s team flashed phone lights to signal they didn’t want to board the flight home from Australia, but they were still seated and sent back. This is more than a team trip—it’s a call for safety and rights. We deserve better handling and human decency on… pic.twitter.com/BHslV1eiBL— ceannews (@ceanglobal) March 10, 2026
Asylum Twist in Australia
During their stay in Australia, six players and one staff member sought asylum, citing fears of persecution.
Australian authorities granted humanitarian visas, but the situation soon shifted again.
Five of those who initially sought asylum later reversed their decision and chose to return home, eventually rejoining the squad in Kuala Lumpur.
Two players, however, remain in Australia and have reportedly begun training with a local club.
The returning group travelled via Istanbul and eastern Turkey before crossing the border back into Iran.
(with agency inputs)
First Published:
March 18, 2026, 19:32 IST
News sports football Iran Women’s Football Team Return Home After Australia Asylum Drama - Report
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