US President Donald Trump said on Monday (March 9) that Australia was making a “terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran”. He claimed that these women are “most likely killed”.
“Don’t do it Prime Minister, give ASYLUM. The US will take them if you don’t. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” the US president wrote on X on Monday.
Trump’s statement came as Australia faces growing pressure to offer asylum to Iran’s women’s soccer team after they refused to sing the national anthem before an Asian Cup match in Australia on March 2.
The gesture was widely seen as an act of defiance against the Islamic Republic, with an anchor on Iranian state television calling the bystanders “war traitors”.
The Iranians’ campaign in the Asian Cup tournament hosted by Australia began just as the US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran, killing the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The team was eliminated after a 2-0 loss to the Philippines on Sunday.
Global players’ union FIFPRO said earlier on Monday there were serious concerns for the team’s welfare as they prepared to return home after being branded “war traitors” for refusing to sing their national anthem before the match.
The decision by the players to stand in silence during Iran’s national anthem ahead of their first match against South Korea was described as the “height of shame” by an Islamic Republic of Iran broadcaster.
