Five members of Iran’s national women’s football team are now safe in Australia after making a dramatic late-night escape from their handlers at a Brisbane hotel and seeking protection from authorities.
The athletes have been granted humanitarian visas after refusing to sing Iran’s national anthem during an Asian Cup match, a quiet act of protest that raised fears they could face persecution if they returned home.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the decision early on Tuesday, saying Australian officials moved quickly once the players made it clear they wanted to stay.
“Once that happened … it was made clear that there were five women who wanted to be able to stay in Australia,” Mr Burke told reporters in Brisbane.
The players were taken to a safe location by the Australian Federal Police, where Mr Burke later met with them personally.
“I signed off last night for their applications to go onto humanitarian visas, and a little bit after 1:30am this morning, the processing was completed by the department of home affairs,” he said.
The minister also said the same opportunity remains available to other members of the squad if they choose to take it.
“They were incredibly brave,” Mr Burke said. “And if others want the same protection, that pathway is there.”
The rest of the team is still currently with their Iranian handlers.
The situation drew international attention after a worrying moment following the team’s final Asian Cup match on Sunday night. As the players boarded their bus, at least one athlete appeared to make the internationally recognised silent signal for help: raising an open palm, crossing the thumb across it and folding the fingers over the top.
Supporters and protesters gathered around the bus, with several players filming the crowd through the windows.
Advocates had been urging Australian officials to intervene and ensure the team’s safety after the gesture raised concerns that some players feared returning home.
The issue also prompted a late-night phone call between US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Mr Trump later praised Australia’s response in a message posted to his social media platform Truth Social. “He’s on it! Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way,” the US president wrote.
However, some members of the squad may still return to Iran because of fears for their families, with reports that relatives could face threats if players do not go back.
For the five women now under protection in Brisbane, though, the outcome represents a powerful moment of courage — and a chance to build a future free from fear.
Image: Tony Burke, X (Formerly Twitter)
