Three Iran women’s soccer team members decline asylum in Australia

Three members of Iran’s women’s soccer team, who had accepted refugee visas to remain in Australia, have decided to return to Iran, leaving only three of the original seven players in Australia. Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the players were given multiple opportunities to reconsider their decision before departing for Kuala Lumpur. Concerns for the team’s safety in Iran grew following their refusal to sing the national anthem during a match, prompting criticism of the Australian government’s handling of the situation.

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