Finance
Australia to grant visa to five iranian women soccer players after trump appeal
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 9, 2026
1 min readLast updated: March 9, 2026
Quick Summary
Australia has agreed to grant visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum during the Women’s Asian Cup, following public appeals from U.S. President Donald Trump emphasizing threats to their safety if returned to Iran. The remaining squad members have been offered the option to stay as
Australia Grants Visas to Five Iranian Women Soccer Players After Trump Appeal
Background and Developments in the Iranian Women's Soccer Team Visa Case
Australian Government's Decision
SYDNEY, March 10 (Reuters) - Australia on Tuesday agreed to provide visas to five Iranian women's soccer players to stay in the country, after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Canberra not to send them back to Tehran due to concerns over their safety.
Statement from Home Affairs Minister
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told reporters the other members of the team were welcome to stay back in Australia. The team is in Australia for the Asian Cup tournament.
International Involvement
U.S. President Trump's Intervention
Trump said on Monday he had spoken to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the Iran women's soccer team after reports that five players had sought asylum in Australia.
Reporting and Editorial Notes
(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Franklin Paul)
Key Takeaways
- •Five Iranian women footballers—Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh and Mona Hamoudi—are now seeking asylum in Australia and are in safe custody under police protection (abc.net.au).
- •President Trump intervened by urging Prime Minister Albanese to grant asylum, warning that forcing the team back to Iran posed a lethal risk, and later confirmed that five players ‘have already been taken care of’ (apnews.com).
- •Concerns for the players’ safety arose after they refused to sing Iran’s national anthem in a form of silent protest; state-run media denounced them as ‘traitors’, raising persecution fears that spurred public petitions and advocacy from human rights groups (apnews.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Australia to grant visa to five Iranian women soccer players after Trump appeal
1Why did Australia grant visas to the Iranian women's soccer players?
Australia granted visas due to concerns over the players' safety after an appeal from President Trump.
2How many Iranian women's soccer players were granted visas by Australia?
Five Iranian women's soccer players were granted visas.
3Who urged Australia not to send the players back to Iran?
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Australia not to send the players back.
4What event brought the Iranian women's soccer team to Australia?
The Iranian women's soccer team was in Australia for the Asian Cup tournament.
5Can the other members of the Iranian women's soccer team stay in Australia?
Yes, other members of the team are welcome to stay in Australia.