Iran calls on Iranian female footballers who sought asylum in Australia to 'come home'

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has called on the players of the Iranian Women's National Football Team who requested asylum in Australia to return to the country. In a post on his social media account, Baghaei also reacted to US President Donald Trump's asylum call for the 5 players, stating, "They massacred more than 165 innocent Iranian schoolgirls in the Tomahawk attack in the city of Minab, and now they want to take our athletes hostage under the pretext of saving them? This arrogance and hypocrisy is truly mind-boggling."

Baghaei also addressed the Iranian Women's National Football Team, saying, "Do not worry, Iran is waiting for you with open arms. Come home."

The asylum crisis of Iranian female footballers

The players of the Iranian Women's National Football Team were labeled as "traitors" on Iranian state television for not singing the national anthem before the match against South Korea on March 2. The team had sung the national anthem and saluted before the second match against Australia three days later. The Iranian team was ultimately eliminated from the tournament after a 2-0 loss to the Philippines.

Following debates that some footballers might face mistreatment if sent back to Iran, calls were made to the government for the players to be allowed to stay in Australia. The Australian press reported that 5 players from the Iranian Women's National Football Team had separated from the delegation, were taken under the protection of the Australian Federal Police, and had requested assistance from the government.

US President Donald Trump also stated in a post on his social media account that he had held a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and that the safety of the Iranian footballers was discussed. Trump noted that the necessary procedures had been initiated for some players to remain in Australia and that 5 athletes had been granted asylum and issued visas, while noting that some footballers preferred to return to Iran due to concerns regarding the safety of their families.