Five members of Iran’s national women’s soccer team have reportedly fled their team hotel in Australia and are seeking asylum, according to Iranian opposition figure and exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, in a dramatic development that has raised concerns about the athletes’ safety if they return home.
The players had been in Australia for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where Iran’s team recently competed before being eliminated from the tournament. According to reports cited by CBS News, the women left their hotel on Australia’s Gold Coast and are now believed to be in a secure location while considering asylum options.
Pahlavi’s office said in a social media statement that the five athletes had reached out and declared support for what his group calls the “Lion and Sun Revolution,” referencing Iran’s pre-1979 national symbol. The opposition leader, whose father ruled Iran before the Islamic Revolution, said the players are currently safe but seeking protection.
The situation escalated after the athletes declined to sing Iran’s national anthem before one of their tournament matches, a gesture widely interpreted as a form of protest. Iranian state television responded harshly, branding the players “traitors” and accusing them of dishonoring the country.
Human rights advocates quickly expressed concern that the players could face punishment if they returned to Iran.
Former Australian national soccer captain Craig Foster, now a prominent human rights campaigner, warned that the athletes may be at risk. Speaking to media outlets, he emphasized that players participating in international tournaments must have the freedom to express themselves without fearing repercussions when they return home.
“There are very serious concerns about their safety,” Foster said, stressing that international sporting bodies have a responsibility to protect athletes in such situations.
Reports from the Sydney Morning Herald indicate the players left their hotel on Monday night and are receiving support from members of the Iranian-Australian community. Activists said local authorities moved them to a safe location after they broke away from team officials.
The controversy unfolded amid tense scenes during the tournament. After Iran’s final match — which eliminated the team from the competition — dozens of Iranian fans gathered outside the stadium, waving the pre-revolution Iranian flag and chanting “let them go.” Some supporters held banners encouraging the players to seek help or remain in Australia if they felt unsafe.
Police eventually dispersed the crowd so the team bus could leave the stadium area.
The Australian government has not confirmed whether the athletes have formally applied for asylum. Foreign Minister Penny Wong declined to comment on the details of the case, saying she did not want to speculate about the players’ situation.
Meanwhile, Iranian community groups in Australia have urged the government to ensure the athletes have access to legal assistance and independent advice.
The issue has also drawn international political attention. President Donald Trump called on Australia to grant the players asylum and suggested the United States would offer refuge if Australia declined.
For now, the players’ next steps remain unclear. Their case highlights the growing intersection of sports, politics and personal safety, as athletes increasingly find themselves navigating pressures both on and off the field.
