By Amanda Shalala and Nassim Khadem, ABC
Photo: Suppleid / X: Tony Burke
The smiles and joy seen in pictures of seven members of the Iranian women's football team who originally sought asylum in Australia only tell part of the story.
The complexity of the situation was further highlighted when one of the seven changed her mind on Wednesday and decided to return to Iran.
There is no black-and-white picture here. And as details continue to emerge, what seems clear is that many of those who chose to remain or leave did so with mixed emotions.
The team had been competing in the Women's Asian Cup on the Gold Coast for the past week and a half, as concerns grew for their safety and public attention intensified.
On Monday night, five players were able to break away from their minders to request asylum.
On Tuesday, another player and one staff member were also granted humanitarian visas and it is one of them who has since asked to return to Iran.
Tensions were at their peak at Sydney Airport on Tuesday night, as Australian officials spoke to team members individually bef
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