Iranian Footballers Seek Asylum in Australia After Asian Cup
Sydney – A group of seven members of the Iranian women’s national soccer team has requested asylum in Australia, according to Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke. The decision comes after their participation in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Initially, five players requested protection, to which a further footballer and a member of the coaching staff were subsequently added. All accepted the offer of humanitarian visas offered by the Australian government. Minister Burke explained that the last two members were separated from the rest of the delegation with the assistance of the Australian Federal Police and taken to a safe place before reuniting with the other five players who had already requested protection.Meanwhile, the rest of the team left Australia and traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The final destination of the delegation after that stop has not been reported.“The seven people who accepted the offer now have humanitarian visas and will soon begin the process of obtaining permanent residency,” the minister said.
Tony Burke, Australian Minister for Home Affairs
Individual Decision and Without Pressure
The Australian government has emphasized that each member of the delegation was interviewed individually by officials from the Department of Home Affairs, with interpreters and without the presence of coaches or team representatives. The aim was for them to be able to make a decision free from pressure.The minister clarified that no other player or group member chose to request protection. Burke also addressed a report about a player who apparently initially refused to board the flight. He explained that the soccer player delayed her decision while having conversations with family members abroad before finally boarding the plane.“The goal was for each person to have the opportunity to decide for themselves with dignity,” Burke pointed out.
Tony Burke, Australian Minister for Home Affairs
