The Iranian women’s football team has split between Malaysia and Australia after their exit from the Asian Cup, with seven members granted humanitarian visas in Australia.

Six players and one staff member remain in Australia, having accepted the visas amid pressure from ongoing events in Iran. The team was offered asylum after some players chose to remain silent during the Iranian national anthem before their opening match.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, has called on the team to ‘come home,’ stating, “Don’t worry — Iran awaits you with open arms.” However, the situation remains complex as two more members were granted asylum just before their teammates departed.

In total, five players sought asylum in Australia, with the team having lost three games in the Asian Cup. The players faced significant pressure due to the geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran, particularly following recent US and Israeli attacks.

Australian Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Tony Burke, expressed support for the players, saying, “They are welcome to stay in Australia, they are safe here, and they should feel at home here.” This sentiment reflects the broader international concern for the safety of athletes from Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Prosecutor General’s Office has invited the players to return, assuring them that “these loved ones are invited to return to their homeland with peace and confidence.” This statement underscores the contrasting narratives surrounding the players’ return.

FIFPRO, the global players’ union, has been actively involved, with Beau Bush stating, “We are making sure that FIFA and the AFC are putting as much pressure as possible on the Iranian authorities, outlining their expectations around safety to make sure they’re not met with any retribution or retaliation.”

Details remain unconfirmed regarding when the players will leave Malaysia and where they will travel next. Concerns persist about the safety of those returning to Iran, highlighting the precarious situation for the Iranian women’s football team.

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