ISTANBUL
US President Donald Trump on Monday urged Australia to grant asylum to members of Iran’s national women’s soccer team, alleging the players could face grave danger if forced to return to their country.
“Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social, making an unverified allegation about potential violence against the athletes.
Trump called on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese not to proceed with any return of the players, writing: “Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give asylum.” He added that the United States would accept the team if Australia declined.
Trump later said he had spoken with Albanese about the issue, writing that the Australian leader was “on it.”
“Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way. Some, however, feel they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return,” Trump wrote in a subsequent post.
Iran’s women’s national football team competed in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup hosted in Australia, drawing global attention after players staged a silent protest against Tehran’s government by standing silently during the national anthem before their opening match. The team was later eliminated from the tournament.
Anadolu learned earlier that five members of the team were seeking asylum in Australia.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) identified them as Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh and Mona Hamoudi.
They have “evaded the team’s handlers and are being protected by police in Queensland,” the broadcaster reported Monday, citing sources.
Athletes seeking asylum in Australia during international sporting events typically apply for protection under the country’s refugee system, according to news.com.au.
Once an application is lodged, applicants can generally remain in Australia on a bridging visa while the Department of Home Affairs assesses their claims.
Trump’s appeal came as US-Israeli strikes on Iran entered their 10th day.
A series of US and Israeli strikes on Iran began on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,200 people including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, over 150 schoolgirls and senior military officials.
Iran retaliated with barrages targeting US bases, diplomatic facilities, and military personnel in the region. Seven US service members have been killed amid the ongoing conflict.
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