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The Iranian Football Federation has broken its silence following the news that seven members of its women’s national football team have sought asylum in Australia.
During a broadcast on Iranian state television, Mehdi Taj, who leads the Iranian Football Federation, alleged that individuals in Australia misled the players with threats of arrest or execution should they return to Iran. He dismissed these as unfounded allegations.
Concerns over the players’ safety were heightened after Iranian state media branded them as “wartime traitors.” This accusation came after the players chose not to sing their national anthem before their first match, an act interpreted by many as a silent protest.
Taj recounted that following the team’s match against the Matildas on Thursday, “Australian police intervened and took some of the players from the hotel.”
He further claimed in Farsi, as translated by SBS News, “The players were warned that returning home would lead to their arrest and execution… These are baseless claims.”
Taj also alleged there were attempts to prevent the team from leaving Australia.
“They’ve done some horrific things. Last night, a group of people even lay down in front of a car on its way to the airport,” he said.
“They have stopped the players in front of the gate [in the airport] and told all of them that you should seek refuge … and the police say they have been ordered by [the Australian] government.”
Protesters, fearing for the safety of the team if they returned to Iran, gathered at their Gold Coast resort on Tuesday as they left for the airport. Footage showed some laying in front of the bus as it attempted to depart.
There were also protesters at Sydney Airport where they travelled through before flying out of the county. It was here that Home Affairs officials spoke to players and support staff individually, offering them protection.
“The worst part is when police intervene at the departure gate, just as someone is about to leave the country, and apply for asylum on their behalf.”
“Our friends there have asked them [the police] why? And they have said we have an order from the prime minister.”
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said players were “given a chance” to seek asylum and there was “no pressure”.
“What we made sure of was that there was no rushing, there was no pressure. Everything was about ensuring the dignity for those individuals to make a choice,” Burke said.
Burke has since confirmed one member of the squad has changed their mind and will return to Iran.
The head of the Iranian Football Federation has dismissed some concerns about the Iranian women’s football team as “baseless”
Taj also mentioned a social media post about the Iranian football team made by US President Donald Trump before the initial offers of protection were confirmed.
In these tweets, Trump urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to offer the team protection, saying the US would otherwise. Soon after, in a 2am phone call with Albanese on Monday, Trump commended the prime minister saying: “He’s on it!”
Taj said Trump had “taken our girls hostage”.
The federal government has said it had made a decision on offering asylum before this conversation.
He also appeared to cast doubt on whether the men’s team would or should travel to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Given the problems that have arisen for the women footballers, if the outlook for the World Cup is going to be like this, no rational person would agree to be sent to the United States.”
— Alexandra Koster, Niv Sadrolodabaee