Five members of Iranian women’s soccer team decline asylum

A fifth member of the Iranian women’s soccer team, which sought asylum in Australia, has chosen to return to Iran. Last week, Australia granted humanitarian visas to six players and one support staff member due to fears of persecution after the team declined to sing the national anthem at a Women’s Asian Cup match. With three players now opting out of the asylum offer, only two remain in Australia. The returning members plan to reunite with their families in Tehran.

Want More Context? 🔎