In a surprising turn of events, five members of the Iranian women’s football team, who had initially sought asylum in Australia, have decided to return to Iran. This decision comes after a series of dramatic developments following their participation in the Women’s Asia Cup held in Australia.

The situation began when Australia granted humanitarian visas to a group of seven Iranian footballers and support staff. This came on the heels of a significant incident where these players refused to sing their national anthem before a match, an act that led to them being branded as ‘wartime traitors’ on Iranian television. Fearing persecution upon their return, their plight garnered international attention, even drawing support from former U.S. President Donald Trump amidst ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts.

Meanwhile, Iranian media outlets have portrayed this decision differently. The Islamic Republic News Agency announced that the team’s captain was ‘returning to the embrace of the homeland,’ and the Mehr news agency praised it as a ‘patriotic decision.’

Further reports from Iran’s Tasnim news agency alleged that the players faced ‘psychological warfare, extensive propaganda, and seductive offers’ while in Australia, implying external pressures influenced their initial decision to seek asylum.

However, these claims were contested by Tina Kordrostami, an Iranian-born councillor in Sydney. Speaking with Fox News, Kordrostami argued that the women were subjected to intimidation and direct communication from the Iranian regime in recent days, which may have influenced their change of heart about returning home.

Five members of the Iranian women’s football team who were seeking asylum in Australia have reportedly reversed their decision and will now return to Iran

The players refused to sing the national anthem ahead of a match at the Asia Cup earlier this month, leading to them being branded as ‘wartime traitors’ on Iranian television

Tina Kordrostami, an Iranian-born Sydney councillor, refuted these claims however, telling Fox News that the five women had been intimidated and ‘communicated to directly by the (Iranian) regime’ in recent days.

‘We even had an individual amongst the girls within Sydney and Brisbane who was influencing them constantly, in their ear, letting them know that whatever Australia is offering them it will not work,’ Kordrostami added.

‘When you see these women turning back to Iran and not seeking our help in Australia, do not think this is their request. They are being coerced, they are being threatened, they are being intimidated, this is not a choice of their own.

‘The only choice these girls have made in their entire lives… was the choice to remain silent during that first national anthem.’

Federal minister, Kristy McBain added: ‘I think our government’s been very open with the Australian people about the steps that we’ve taken to ensure that these women in the Iranian soccer team and support staff had every opportunity to make their own decisions in this regard.

‘You know, I think we can all understand propaganda when we see it. And, you know, that statement (by Iran’s Tasnim news agency), I think is one of those things.’

The players are now set to join the rest of the Iranian team in Malaysia, before they return to Iran when they can given the situation in the Middle East. 

Iran captain Zahra Ghanbari (second left) was the latest to u-turn on her asylum claim

Reports in Dutch outlet AD then opened up further on the reported heavy pressure and intimidation that the players faced. 

The outlet suggested players were threatened with execution upon their return and were told that their families in Iran would be treated as ‘hostages’ if they didn’t come home.

Family members of the players were also said to be put under pressure by Tehran authorities to send emotional messages to them in a bid to convince them to return.

Shiva Amini, an Iranian futsal player living in exile, also posted about the situation on X. 

She said: ‘According to information I received from Australia, the Iranian Football Federation, working with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard IRGC has placed intense and systematic pressure on the players’ families in Iran. 

‘They have even targeted the family of Zahra Ghanbari. Despite the fact that she has just lost her father, authorities are putting pressure on her mother. This shows the level of cruelty and desperation they are willing to use to force these athletes to comply. 

‘Through the team’s manager, who presented herself to the players as someone they could trust and rely on, they were able to persuade some of the players to return. 

‘Several of the players decided to go back because the threats against their families became unbearable and the intimidation was relentless. However, a number of the players are still there. 

‘They are under enormous pressure and they urgently need support and protection. The situation has become extremely serious, as the threats and intimidation against their families continue to escalate.’

The Asian Football Confederation’s General Secretary Windsor John insisted he was unable to verify those reports, but added that he had not been contacted by any players in regards to their safety. 

‘We have spoken to the team officials. We have spoken to the coaches and the head of delegation. They are actually in high spirits,’ he said.

‘I personally met them. They are not demotivated, or they didn’t look afraid.’