Iran’s women’s soccer team crossed the Turkish border into Iran on Wednesday, completing a difficult return journey from Australia after five members withdrew their asylum applications there.
Australia granted humanitarian visas to six players and one support staff after they applied for asylum, citing fears of possible persecution if they returned to Iran.
Concerns about their safety were raised earlier this month when several players failed to sing the national anthem during a women’s Asian Cup match, shortly after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran. Iranian state television subsequently branded them “war traitors”.
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The team, which flew to Istanbul on Tuesday, traveled on to Igdir in eastern Turkey on Wednesday morning.
The players were seen leaving Igdir Airport with their luggage before boarding a bus to the border. One smiled briefly and waved to the TV camera before leaving. After about a two-hour journey, they went through passport control at the Gurbulak border gate and crossed into Iran.
The team’s Asian Cup campaign began just as the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. They were eliminated from the tournament more than a week ago.
Five of those who initially applied for asylum in Australia later changed their minds, with Australian media reporting the latest withdrawal on Monday.
They rejoined the rest of the team in Kuala Lumpur, where the team was based after leaving Sydney last week.
The Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) said those who withdrew their claims would return home with the squad “to be embraced again by their families and homeland”.
Two players remain in Australia and have reportedly been training with a local A-League club.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
18 March 2026 20:31 IST
