Three Iranian soccer players given asylum in Australia are returning home amid growing safety concerns.

Return of Iranian Female Soccer Players to Iran

Three out of six Iranian female soccer players who sought asylum in Australia will be going back to Iran, according to Tina Kordrostami, a local councilor in Ryde, Australia.

Kordrostami mentioned on Fox News that the news about the players’ return was quite distressing, but he didn’t elaborate on the specific reasons behind it.

He noted, “They are under serious threat and are being contacted directly by the regime.”

When asked if the players themselves felt threatened, he hesitated slightly, saying, “I don’t think so; I understand that.”

“We are aware that even families of athletes have been detained, and some are unaccounted for. It’s important for those in the West to realize that many Iranians feel abandoned and are leaning on one another for survival in this oppressive environment,” Kordrostami added.

He expressed concern that the returning players could face severe repercussions. “We’re very concerned for their safety. It’s a fact that breaking one’s athlete contract can be punishable by death in Iran. They are young and facing incredibly tough choices, and I have immense respect for them,” he explained.

Kordrostami continued, “Intimidation and coercion are at play. Some young women in Sydney and Brisbane had individuals advising them that there was nothing awaiting them in Australia.”

The team had arrived in Australia on February 28, just prior to a joint military strike by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, which resulted in the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

During their opening match against South Korea on March 2, Iranian players notably abstained from singing the national anthem, a gesture interpreted as defiance, and met with critical responses from Iranian commentators.

On Tuesday, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced that another Iranian female player and staff members had accepted asylum, with fears of possible repercussions if they returned to Iran. This followed a previous announcement where five players had accepted asylum on Sunday.

Burke shared that many Iranian athletes and support staff were individually escorted by officials as they passed through customs before boarding their flights back to Iran.

Though options for asylum were presented to the players without the presence of Iranian officials, some chose to return home, influenced by external pressures.

President Trump commented on the situation, describing Australia’s decision as a severe humanitarian misstep. He urged that the team should not be deported to Iran, highlighting potential dangers.

In a follow-up comment, Trump stated he had spoken with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the matter. “They’re doing well! Five have already found safety, but others feel compelled to go back due to concerns for their families,” he said, complimenting the Prime Minister’s handling of the delicate situation.