Iran’s women’s national football team began travelling out of Malaysia on Monday after five players who had initially sought asylum in Australia decided to withdraw their claims and rejoin the squad. Only two members of the original group remain in Australia.
The case drew international attention after Australia granted humanitarian visas to six players and one support staff member from the Iranian delegation. Fears over the group’s safety had grown following reports that several players did not sing the national anthem during an Asian Cup match earlier this month, a moment widely viewed as politically sensitive.
On Monday evening, the team was seen at Kuala Lumpur International Airport checking in for an Oman Air flight. According to reports, Oman was expected to be a transit point rather than the team’s final destination, with onward travel arrangements still being coordinated.
Asian Football Confederation general secretary Windsor John described the matter as a complex situation, saying the team was waiting for flight connections and adding that officials who had spoken to the delegation found the players to be in high spirits. He also said the squad had not expressed safety concerns directly to the AFC.
The Iranian Football Association said the team was expected to return to Tehran soon, although the wider regional conflict has complicated direct travel plans. Reuters reported that the squad could not immediately return straight to Tehran because of the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The development follows a tense and emotional few days surrounding the team, with concerns continuing to be raised in Australia and beyond about the pressure facing players and their families. For now, however, most of the squad has chosen to continue the journey home, bringing one of the most sensitive stories of this Women’s Asian Cup to a new and uncertain stag
