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Australia · Geopolitics · Humanitarian Visas · Iran
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five members of Iran's women's national football team following concerns for their safety after a protest during the Women's Asian Cup.
The players, including Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi, declined to sing the Iranian national anthem before a match against South Korea, a move widely interpreted as a protest. This act drew criticism in Iran, with some commentators labeling them "wartime traitors." Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the decision, stating the players are now safe in Australia.
The government had prepared for the possibility of such requests, and the athletes were moved to a secure location by the Australian Federal Police. Other team members have also been offered the opportunity to seek assistance if they wish, highlighting the escalating conflict involving Iran and the difficult choices faced by its citizens abroad.
