Israel Calls on Australia to Offer Asylum to Iranian Women’s Soccer Players

Israel has called on Australia to grant asylum to members of Iran’s women’s national soccer team after several players reportedly faced threats and accusations of treason for refusing to sing the Iranian national anthem during a tournament match.

The incident occurred ahead of a match at the Women’s Asian Cup, when members of the Iranian team declined to sing “Sorude Melliye Jomhuriye Eslamiye Iran,” the official anthem of the Islamic Republic, which emphasizes the ideology of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and loyalty to the Iranian state.

Their protest quickly triggered backlash from hardliners within Iran, who labeled the players traitors and demanded punishment.

Israel’s Innovation, Science, and Technology Minister Gila Gamliel formally urged the Australian government to provide protection to the athletes.

In a letter sent to Australia’s ambassador in Israel, Gamliel warned that the players could face severe repercussions if they return to Iran.

“I am writing to you with urgency and deep concern following appeals from members of the Iranian women’s national football team, who are seeking international assistance in order to avoid returning to Iran,” Gamliel wrote.

“The players have expressed profound fear of persecution, oppression, and personal harm should they be forced to return to their homeland,” she added.

Gamliel described the athletes as “courageous women” seeking the basic right to live in safety and freedom.

The issue has drawn international attention, with calls for Australia to offer refuge to the players.

U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in, criticizing the idea of forcing the athletes to return to Iran.

According to reports, Trump said Australia would be making a “terrible humanitarian mistake” if it allowed the players to be sent back to the Islamic Republic.

Meanwhile, Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi announced that five members of the team had already left the squad’s camp in Australia and requested asylum.

The players identified as seeking protection are Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramezani-Zadeh, and Mona Hamoudi.

Following the initial protest, reports indicated that the team was forced to sing the anthem in later matches and perform a military salute.

Human rights advocates have raised concerns that the players were being pressured or monitored by officials linked to Iran’s football federation.

Craig Foster, a former Australian international soccer player and human rights advocate, said independent groups had been prevented from contacting the athletes.

“No athlete group should ever be effectively held hostage by their own member federation and denied access to external support networks,” Foster said.

The anthem protest has become another symbol of resistance against the Iranian regime, particularly among women and athletes who have increasingly spoken out against restrictions imposed by the state.

Advocates argue that granting asylum would not only protect the players but also send a message in support of human rights and freedom of expression.

As calls grow for Australia to intervene, the fate of the athletes now rests with the country’s authorities as they decide whether to offer them a path to safety.

Israel continues to stand in solidarity with those who seek freedom from oppression and persecution. Share this article and subscribe to our newsletter for continued updates on this developing story.