Women's Asian Cup Soccer Iran Philippines
Iran players react during their national anthem ahead of the Women's Asian Cup soccer match between Iran and the Philippines in Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026.
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GOLD COAST, Australia (AP) — Iran’s soccer team lost its last group match at the Women’s Asi…
Australia has granted asylum to five members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who were in the country for a tournament when the Iran war began. The women were transported from their hotel in Gold Coast, Australia “to a safe location” by Australian federal police officers in the early hours of Tuesday morning local time. There, they met with Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and the processing of their humanitarian visas finalized, the minister told reporters in Brisbane hours later. An official team list numbered 26 players, plus coaching and other staff. Burke didn’t detail what threats the players faced in Iran.
