Iranian women’s team member changes mind on asylum, plans to return home

Over the last 48 hours, six members of Iran’s women’s national football team defected in Australia.

■ An undercover security officer was suspected to be stationed with the team
■ Their families were threatened
■ Their phones were tapped
■ Their passports and money taken
■… pic.twitter.com/zAx8jKT81p

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 11, 2026

One Iranian women's soccer team member who sought asylum in Australia decided to return to Iran, Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke said https://t.co/Cw8n7cJvAr pic.twitter.com/QIndbuus9x

— Reuters (@Reuters) March 11, 2026