Trump calls on Australia to 'grant asylum'

US President Donald Trump has intervened on behalf of the Iranian Women's National Football Team players. In a statement on his social media account, Trump called on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to grant asylum to the players of the Iranian Women's National Football Team, who are in Australia for the Asian Cup qualifiers.

Trump stated, "Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iranian Women's National Football Team to be sent back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed.

Don't do it, Mr. Prime Minister, grant them asylum. If you don't, the US will accept them," he said.

Declared as traitors

The players of the Iranian Women's National Football Team were declared "traitors" by Iranian state television for not singing the national anthem before their match against South Korea on March 2. Three days later, the team sang the national anthem and saluted before their second match against Australia.

The team was eliminated from the tournament yesterday after losing 2-0 to the Philippines. Pressure has been mounting on the Australian government not to send the team back to Iran, where it is feared they will face mistreatment.

Australian Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite, when asked whether the team players would be granted asylum, stated that the government "cannot comment on individual cases for privacy reasons."

The Australian press reported that 5 players from the team have "fled" and are currently under the protection of the Australian Federal Police, having requested assistance from the government.

News Source: 12punto