Women's Asia Cup Iran Exit
AFC General Secretary Windsor John, left, with his deputy Vahid Kardany, speaks at a news conference near Kuala Lumpur, Monday, March 16, 2026.
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Iran’s women’s soccer team has left Malaysia for Oman after five of the seven squad members who sparked a diplomatic furor by seeking asylum in Australia reversed their decisions and rejoined the team in Kuala Lumpur. On Monday night, the team flew out from the Malaysian capital after hours of quiet waiting at the airport. Officials gave no reasons for why the players changed their minds. Two players remain in Australia in an undisclosed safe location. The Asian Football Confederation said the Iranian embassy arranged the trip and that the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA plan regular welfare check-ins.
