Iran women's football captain withdraws Australia asylum bid: state mediaMembers of Iran's women's football team not claiming asylum in Australia arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on WednesdayPARIS (FRANCE) - The captain of the Iranian women's football team which played in the Asian Cup in Australia has withdrawn her bid for asylum, state media said Sunday, making her the fifth member of the delegation to change her mind. Zahra Ghanbari will head from Australia to Malaysia and from there fly back to Iran, the IRNA news agency said. Australia Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a statement that day that "three members of the Iranian Women's Football Team made the decision to join the rest of the team on their journey back to Iran". - 'Traitors' -Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had lauded the bravery of the women, vowing they would be welcomed with open arms. A presenter on Iranian state TV branded the players "wartime traitors", fuelling fears they could face persecution, or worse, if they returned home.

Source: Bangkok Post March 15, 2026 15:35 UTC