According to various sources, some were forcibly dragged by regime guards. For now, their future is uncertain, but everything seems to indicate that they will suffer very severe punishments, possibly including the death penalty, not only for them, but also for their families
and close people.
The origin of the conflict and the international repercussions
The controversy began when several female soccer players refused to sing the Iranian national anthem before their debut against South Korea in the women's Asian Cup. The gesture generated harsh criticism in official media in her country, who went so far as to describe them as "traitors”. Although in the following games they did sing the anthem, the episode aroused international concern for
their safety.
The case also took on a political dimension when former US President Donald Trump publicly asked Australia to grant asylum to the players in the face of the risk
of persecution.
From Iran, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei questioned this intervention and accused Washington of trying to “kidnap” female soccer players. In addition, he assured that the country is waiting for them “with open arms” for their return.
However, human rights organizations warned of the risk they could face if they return to Iran. Zaki Haidari, an Amnesty International activist, said that some members of the team have even seen their families threatened in recent days
After the controversy unleashed during the Asian Cup, the Australian Government confirmed that five players fromtheIranian women's national teamreceived humanitarian visas to stay in the country. The decision was made after the players expressed fear of possible retaliation if they returned to
their country.
The Australian Interior Minister, Tony Burke, explained that talks with the delegation began in recent days and that finally 5 of the 26 membersasked for assistance to stay. “The Australian police moved them to a safe place. Last night I gave my final approval to their requests for humanitarian visas,” he said. “They can stay in Australia, they are safe here and they need to feel at home,” he added.
Among the soccer players who applied for asylum is captain Zahra Ghanbari. According to local media, at least two other players have also initiated similar procedures, although this information has not yet been officially confirmed by the Ministry of the Interior
. The majority of the delegation will return to Iran
For their part, the rest of the delegation left Australian territory this Tuesday. The players traveled from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia, a stopover prior to their return to Iran, according to the public broadcaster ABC.
The desperate call for help before boarding the plane
In the last few hours, a video began to circulate on social networks in which you can see some players from Iran making SOS signals with the lights of their cell phones on the bus that was going to take them to their
