Sport24.az
Australian authorities have decided to grant humanitarian visas to members of the Iranian national football team who face severe penalties in their country for refusing to sing the national anthem at the Asian Cup. Sport24.az reports that the country's Immigration Minister, Tony Burke, told reporters that visas have already been issued to five players.
The Iranian national team suffered three defeats in three matches in the group stage of the Asian Cup held in Australia. In the first match, the players' silence during the national anthem drew attention. Their behavior was perceived as a protest against the Iranian authorities. In Iran, the footballers' actions were regarded as treason and a serious investigation was demanded.
It should be noted that five players of the Iranian national team decided to escape from the team's camp on Monday. These are Fatima Pasandideh, Zara Ghanbari, Zara Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi. They were granted visas within 24 hours.
