WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday urged Australia to grant asylum to members of Iran women’s national football team, saying the country would be making a “terrible humanitarian mistake” if the players were forced to return to Iran.
The team’s participation in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, hosted in Australia, began just as the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iran that killed the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran were eliminated from the tournament on Sunday after a 2-0 defeat to Philippines women’s national football team.
“Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed,” Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform. “The U.S. will take them if you won’t.”
Australia’s embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s remarks.
SBS News reported that five players from the Iranian team had “broken free” and were under the protection of the Australian Federal Police while seeking assistance from the government. The report added that Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke had travelled to Brisbane to meet the women.
Global players’ union FIFPRO said earlier on Monday it had serious concerns about the welfare of the players as they prepared to return home after being criticised for refusing to sing their national anthem before a match.
The players stood in silence during Iran’s anthem before their opening game against South Korea women’s national football team, a move described by a commentator on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting as the “pinnacle of dishonour”.
The team later sang the anthem before their second match against Australia women’s national football team, prompting concerns among human rights groups that the players may have been pressured by government officials.
Asked whether Australia would grant asylum to the players, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite said the government could not comment on individual cases due to privacy reasons.
