politics
Member of Iranian soccer team granted asylum in Australia changes her mind
One of the seven members of the Iranian soccer team granted refuge in Australia has changed her mind, forcing Australian officials to hurriedly move the other six women after she divulged their secret location to the Iranian embassy, the government in Canberra said.
TL;DR
- One of seven Iranian soccer players granted refuge in Australia changed her mind and contacted the Iranian embassy.
- Australian officials moved the remaining six women from a secret location in Brisbane to ensure their safety.
- The players had been granted visas after refusing to sing the Iranian national anthem, an act that could lead to severe punishment in Iran.
- Fears for the players' fate grew after they were branded traitors by state media.
- Australia had prepared for potential asylum claims since before the Asian Cup tournament.
- Iran reacted angrily to Australia's intervention, urging the women to return home.
- US President Donald Trump had publicly called on Australia to offer the players asylum.
- The Iranian women's team lost all three of their group-stage matches in the tournament.
- Reports suggest players were threatened to sing the anthem in subsequent games.
- Five players initially confirmed they would take up Australia's offer of refuge, later joined by two more.
- Families of some players had reportedly been threatened.
- Officials are processing permanent visas for the six remaining players.