Gold Coast. Australia has granted asylum to five members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who were visiting the country for a tournament when war broke out in Iran, a government minister announced Tuesday.

The decision followed days of appeals from Iranian-Australian groups and US President Donald Trump, who urged Australia to assist the players, who had not publicly sought asylum. The team drew attention in Australia when players did not sing the Iranian national anthem before their first match.

Early Tuesday, police escorted the five players from their hotel on the Gold Coast “to a safe location,” where they met with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. Their humanitarian visa applications were finalized, Burke told reporters in Brisbane.

“I can’t begin to imagine how difficult that decision is for each of the women, but last night it was joy and relief,” said Burke, posting photos of the women smiling and clapping as he signed the documents. “They are excited to start a new life in Australia.”

The women agreed to have their names and photos published and stressed they are “not political activists,” Burke said.

Iranian state television reported that the country’s football federation had asked international soccer authorities to investigate what it called Trump’s “direct political interference in football,” warning it could affect the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Naghmeh Danai, a migration agent and member of the Iranian-Australian community, said she met the women Monday night at their hotel to explain the asylum process.

“I told them that if they accept this offer, they will have a bright future in Australia, more respect, and freedom from the oppression they faced in Iran. They were thrilled,” Danai said, noting that the decision was difficult because the players have families back home.

Future Uncertain for Remaining Team Members

The Iranian squad arrived in Australia last month for the Women’s Asian Cup before the war began on Feb. 28. After being eliminated from the tournament over the weekend, the players faced returning to a country under bombardment. Head coach Marziyeh Jafari said Sunday that the team “wants to come back to Iran as soon as we can.”

The squad consists of 26 players plus coaches. Burke said asylum offers were extended to all members.

“These women are tremendously popular in Australia, but they are in a very difficult situation,” Burke said. “The opportunity remains for others to speak to Australian officials if they wish.”

It is unclear when the remaining players will leave Australia. On Tuesday afternoon, protesters outside the team’s hotel attempted to block a bus believed to be transporting the rest of the squad. Demonstrators, some wearing red, white, and green clothing or holding pre-Revolution Iranian flags, chanted “Save our girls” and “Please act now,” briefly delaying the bus.

Support from Australian Public and Officials

Burke did not specify the threats the women faced if they returned home. During the tournament, the players largely declined to comment on Iran’s situation, although forward Sara Didar choked up in a news conference expressing concern for their families and fellow Iranians.

The team’s silence during the national anthem at an opening match was interpreted by some in Australia as a form of resistance or mourning, though the players never confirmed the intent. They later sang and saluted during the anthem in subsequent matches.

“Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. “They are safe here and should feel at home.”

Trump Urges Action

Australia’s announcement came after Trump called on Monday for the government to grant asylum to any team member who wanted it, criticizing Australia on social media for allowing the players to be “forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed.” He added, “The US will take them if you won’t.”

Later, Trump praised Albanese for responding, noting that “five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way.”

Iran’s football federation called Trump’s remarks “baseless and unlawful,” while Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said the government welcomes its citizens and guarantees their safety.