Idman.biz
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to members of the Iranian women's football team who defected.
On Sunday, March 8, the Iranian team lost 2-0 to the Philippines in their last group stage match of the Asian Cup, finishing last in Group A.
The players had previously been criticized for refusing to sing the national anthem in one of their matches. It was reported that five Iranian female footballers fled the team's premises with the help of Australian police. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke later confirmed that temporary humanitarian visas had been issued to the athletes.
"They can stay in Australia. They are safe here and should feel at home. I am saying that the same opportunity is available to other team members as well. Australia has welcomed the Iranian women's football team with open arms. These women are incredibly popular in Australia, but we understand that they are in an extremely difficult situation because of the decisions they have had to make. However, they will still have the opportunity to contact Australian officials if they wish," The Guardian quoted Burke as saying.
