Trump Offers Asylum to Iranian Women’s Football Team Amid Fears of Reprisals
- 3 hours ago
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United States President Donald Trump has said the United States would consider granting asylum to members of Iran women's national football team if they face punishment from authorities in Iran following their participation in a recent international tournament.
Trump made the remark in a post on Truth Social after reports suggested that some of the players could be compelled to return to Iran after competing in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup hosted in Australia.
In his message, Trump warned that forcing the athletes to return home could expose them to serious risks, urging Australian authorities to consider humanitarian protection for the players. He also stated that the United States would be willing to accept them if they were not granted asylum elsewhere.
Concerns about the players’ safety intensified after members of the Iranian squad reportedly declined to sing the national anthem before one of their matches, a gesture widely interpreted as a form of protest against authorities in Iran.
Following the incident, Iranian state-affiliated outlets allegedly branded the athletes as disloyal, prompting fears among rights groups that they could face disciplinary measures or harsher consequences upon their return.
According to reports from ABC News, at least five players later left their team’s accommodation in Australia, reportedly seeking assistance from local authorities because of fears of persecution.
The players identified in the reports include Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi. They were said to have left their accommodation on the Gold Coast and were exploring options to seek protection in Australia.
Human rights advocates have since urged the Australian government to allow the athletes to formally apply for asylum if they fear persecution at home. Officials in Australia have not confirmed any immigration decisions regarding the players, noting that individual visa or asylum matters are usually handled privately.
The situation has attracted global attention, particularly as tensions involving United States, Israel and Iran continue to escalate, raising broader concerns about the treatment of dissenting voices within the country.
In a related diplomatic development, Vladimir Putin of Russia recently sent a congratulatory message to Mojtaba Khamenei following his emergence as Iran’s new supreme leader. The Kremlin said Moscow remains committed to strengthening its strategic partnership with Tehran amid rising regional tensions.
As the debate over the players’ safety continues, the fate of the Iranian footballers remains uncertain while governments, sporting bodies, and human rights organisations weigh possible steps to protect them.
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