Iran’s Zahra Sarbali, top, and Philippines’ Malea Cesar battle for the ball during the Women’s Asian Cup soccer match between Iran and the Philippines in Robina, Australia, on March 8, 2026. Dave Hunt/AAP Image via AP
The Australian Labor government has granted asylum to five players from the Iranian women’s soccer team following a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
On March 10, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the women were granted humanitarian visas to avoid persecution in their home country for refusing to sing the Iranian national anthem at one of their Asian Cup games, currently being held in Australia.
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