The Australian government has affirmed that the Iran women's national team will not receive any special treatment if its members seek asylum in Australia. Assistant Foreign Minister of Australia Matt Thistlethwaite told Sky News on 8/3, "Any sports team or member of a sports team coming to Australia will not receive visa priority. They must meet all visa conditions, including security and health checks."

Thistlethwaite further stated that the government would not apply "special circumstances" to anyone participating in the Women's Asian Cup in Australia. He emphasized that standard regulations for visa issuance and related procedures remain in effect for all applicants.

Iran players (in white) compete during their 0-4 loss to Australia in the second match of Group A at the 2026 Women's Asian Cup, held at Gold Coast stadium, Queensland, Australia on 5/3. Photo: AP

This statement came amid growing calls for the Australian government to ensure the safety of the Iran women's national team at the 2026 Women's Asian Cup. Controversy began when the entire Iranian team stood silently during the national anthem before their opening match against South Korea on 2/3. This act was widely interpreted as a form of protest against the Iranian government, raising concerns about potential repercussions for the players if they returned home.

While some Iranians in Australia expressed support for the players, Iranian state television later called the team "wartime traitors," intensifying fears about their fate after the tournament.

These concerns prompted a petition campaign in Australia, urging the government to act and protect the Iran women's national team. Launched by community and social organizations, the petition garnered tens of thousands of signatures, highlighting widespread public concern.

In the petition, community organizations and groups argued that the risk to the players was "serious and urgent." They warned that Iran's current political climate could lead to severe consequences for any action perceived as disloyal. "The players are not merely athletes here to compete," the petition stated. "They are women under the control of a state with a history of punishing those deemed disobedient."

Petition signatories urged the Australian government to ensure players are not forced to leave the country if credible safety concerns exist. The petition also proposed that each player should have access to independent legal counsel, interpreters, and private protection channels to decide whether they wish to seek asylum. According to campaigners, Australia, as the host of the Women's Asian Cup, bears responsibility not only for organization but also for the ethical treatment of participating players. "If there is credible evidence that they could face persecution or detention upon return, silence is not a neutral option," the petition read.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong was also asked about the possibility of the Iran women's national team seeking asylum. She did not comment directly on the team's specific situation but acknowledged the risks they might face. "We know this regime has oppressed many of its people," Wong said. "Australia always stands with the people of Iran, especially women and girls, in their struggle for freedom and equality." However, she added that the Australian government did not wish to comment extensively on the Iran national team's case while the Women's Asian Cup was still underway.

Individuals seeking asylum in Australia must apply personally and demonstrate a risk of persecution if they return home. Arriving in Australia on a sports visa does not automatically grant any priority in the application process. Experts also noted that the decision to seek asylum is often complex, as it can affect the applicant's family in their home country.

At the 2026 Women's Asian Cup, Iran currently sits at the bottom of Group A after two losses. In their final group stage match, they must defeat the Philippines this afternoon, 8/3, to retain any hope of advancing.

Hoang An (according to *Sky News*)