US President Trump among those urging Australia to offer players asylum, citing grave fears for their safety
Australia's Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke poses in an undisclosed location with five Iranian women soccer players who have been granted asylum in Australia on Mar 10, 2026. Photo: Australia Ministry of Home Affairs
At least five players from Iran's visiting women's football team claimed asylum in Australia on Tuesday, seeking protection after they were branded "traitors" at home for refusing to sing the national anthem.
Iranian players fell silent as the anthem played ahead of a tournament match in Australia last week, an act seen as a symbol of defiance against the Islamic republic.
United States President Donald Tru
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