WASHINGTON, D.C. – Donald Trump praised Anthony Albanese for his response to the situation, saying he is doing a “very good job,” for granting the Iranian Women’s Soccer Players asylum in Australia after their Gold Coast Escape.
During the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, five players from Iran’s national women’s soccer team have received humanitarian visas that let them stay in Australia. They approached the Australian Federal Police (AFP) after breaking away from team minders and asking for protection.
The athletes named in reports are Captain Zahra Ghanbari, Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi. They left their Gold Coast hotel on Monday night, March 9, 2026.
Soon after, officers moved them to a secure location. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke met with them late that night, then approved the visas around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.
They say they feared persecution if they returned to Iran. Concerns grew after Iran’s opening match against South Korea, when the team stood silent during the national anthem. Many saw that silence as a protest during a tense period, including the ongoing US-Israel conflict involving Iran.
After that match, Iranian state television called the players “wartime traitors” and accused them of reaching “the pinnacle of dishonour.” At the same time, conservative voices pushed for harsh punishment.
Because of those comments, human rights advocates and members of the Iranian diaspora warned that the players could face prison, torture, or worse if forced to go home.
In later matches against Australia and the Philippines, the squad sang and saluted during the anthem. Even so, some observers believed officials traveling with the team pressured them to comply.
Escape From the Hotel and AFP Support
Reports say the five women slipped away from minders at the Royal Pines Resort. Australian authorities had kept a police presence at the hotel for days. As a result, players had a way to seek help quietly if they chose to.
- AFP response: Officers escorted the women out and took them to a safe location.
- Humanitarian visas: Officials issued the visas quickly after security checks, allowing the players to live, work, and study in Australia.
- Tony Burke’s comments: “They are safe here, they are welcome to stay in Australia, and they should feel at home here,” Burke said at a press conference. He also said the offer remains open to other team members who ask for help.
Meanwhile, protests formed outside the team hotel as the remaining squad prepared to leave for Iran. Demonstrators shouted “save our girls” and briefly blocked a bus. Some videos appeared to show players signaling distress from inside the vehicles.
International Spotlight After Trump and Albanese Speak
The situation quickly became a diplomatic issue. US President Donald Trump called Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the early morning hours, around 2 a.m. local time. Trump urged Australia to grant asylum and said sending the players back would be a “terrible humanitarian mistake.”
Before the call, Trump posted on social media criticizing any forced return. He also suggested the US would consider asylum if Australia refused. After speaking with Albanese, Trump praised his handling of what he called a “delicate situation.” He also said five players had been “taken care of.”
Albanese called the athletes “brave.” He added that Australia stands ready to assist other players if they come forward.
Wider Context and Ongoing Safety Concerns
Iran’s participation in the tournament happened during a period of regional unrest. That backdrop added to fears about what could happen to the players once they returned home. Groups such as FIFPRO, the global players’ union, raised alarms. Exiled Iranian figures, including Reza Pahlavi, also drew attention to the defections.
Australia’s quick decision stood out because the country is known for tough border rules. Still, officials pointed to Australia’s humanitarian responsibilities under international law. They also repeated that protection remains available to any other squad members who request it.
As of March 10, 2026, reports said the remaining players were still at the Gold Coast hotel, with some expected to fly back to Iran. The five who sought asylum reportedly celebrated after receiving approval, chanting “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!”
The episode shows how sport, politics, and human rights can collide fast. What started as a silent gesture on the field turned into a global asylum story within days.
