An Iranian women’s football team member who initially sought asylum in Australia has reversed her decision after discussions with her teammates, according to the country’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke.
The development follows a controversial episode involving members of Iran women’s national football team, where seven individuals from the visiting delegation requested asylum after reportedly being labelled “traitors” in their home country following a pre-match protest.
Initially, five players had sought asylum earlier during the team’s tour. Later, another player and a support staff member also requested sanctuary before the squad departed from Sydney for Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday evening.
Speaking in parliament, Burke revealed that one of the individuals who had sought protection reconsidered her decision after communicating with teammates who had already left.
According to the minister, the player was advised by her teammates to contact the Embassy of Iran in Australia, which subsequently became aware of the group’s location.
Following the development, Australian authorities relocated the remaining players from their initial safe house to another secure location as a precaution.
The Iranian delegation later travelled onward to Malaysia, with members of the squad arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport early Wednesday morning.
Australian officials had earlier separated each player from the team at the airport and allowed them time to privately consider whether they wished to seek asylum.
Burke emphasised that authorities ensured that any decision taken by the athletes regarding asylum was made independently and without pressure.
