The players, identified as Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi, departed from the Iranian team's base in Gold Coast, Queensland. They are now in a safe location and under police protection.

The group of players reportedly fears for their safety if they return to Iran, as their actions during the national anthem at the tournament sparked significant controversy back home.

The Iranian women's team salutes and sings the national anthem before their match against the Philippines in the final group A game of the Women's Asian Cup 2026, at Gold Coast stadium, Queensland, Australia, on the evening of 8/3/2026. Photo: SIPA USA

During their opening match on 2/3, the players stood silently as the Iranian national anthem played. While no official explanation was given, some hardliners in Iran interpreted this action as a sign of protest against the government, amid rising political and military tensions in the Middle East.

A commentator for Iranian state television criticized the players' conduct, labeling it "the height of disgrace". Host Mohammad Reza Shahbazi further stated that "traitors in wartime must be dealt with more severely".

Following the initial match, the Iranian players sang the national anthem and saluted in a military style in their remaining two group stage matches against Australia on 5/3 and the Philippines on 8/3. Neither coach Marziyeh Jafari nor her players commented on political issues during press conferences at the tournament.

After their final match, a 0-2 loss to the Philippines, many supporters gathered around the team bus outside Gold Coast stadium. They chanted slogans like "save the girls" and "let them go", urging protection for the players.

A human rights activist within the Iranian community in Australia claimed that at least three players on the bus made international hand signals for help. However, a source close to the team expressed doubt whether the players understood the meaning of the signal.

After leaving the team's accommodation, the five players evaded the supervision of team management and contacted local police. They are currently protected in Queensland.

A relative of one of the players informed the media that the family was grateful to those who helped the players leave the team. This individual confirmed that the five players have decided to remain in Australia and expressed hope that they could one day return to "a free Iran".

The office of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former exiled Iranian monarch, also stated it had been informed of the players' departure. He urged the Australian government to ensure the players' safety if they decide to stay. However, Australian Assistant Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite stated that the Iranian women's team would not receive special exemptions for asylum in Australia.

US President Donald Trump also spoke out about the incident, calling on Australia to grant asylum to the entire Iranian women's team. On Truth Social, he urged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese not to allow the players to be forced back to Iran, where they could face danger. Trump wrote that Australia would be "making a grave humanitarian mistake" if it allowed the Iranian team to return home, adding that the US was ready to accept them if Australia did not.

International football organizations are also monitoring the situation. FIFA stated the safety of the Iranian women's team is a priority and is in contact with relevant parties. Meanwhile, the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) expressed concern about not being able to contact the players directly.

The Australian government has not commented on the case of the five players. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated she did not wish to comment directly on the Iranian women's team but affirmed Australia stands with the people of Iran, especially women and girls.

In contrast, Iranian women's team coach Marziyeh Jafari stated in a post-match press conference that she wished to return to Iran soon to be with her family and compatriots.

Hoang An (according to Sky, CNN, ABC)