Five members of Iran’s women’s national football team have been granted humanitarian visas by Australia after seeking protection while competing in the Women’s Asian Cup, following concerns they could face retaliation if forced to return home.

The players were in Australia for the continental tournament when the situation escalated after they declined to sing Iran’s national anthem before an opening match against South Korea.

The silent gesture drew intense attention and criticism from Iranian state media, raising fears among supporters and advocacy groups that the athletes could face punishment upon returning to Iran.

In the days following the tournament, the players left their team’s training camp and sought refuge, prompting a swift response from Australian authorities.

Federal officials worked with security agencies and the Australian Federal Police to move the women to a secure location while their cases were reviewed.

Australia’s government confirmed that five players — Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh and Mona Hamoudi — were granted temporary humanitarian visas that allow them to remain in the country and potentially pursue longer-term residency.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government had been working on the matter for some time and emphasized that the women were now safe.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the visas were approved during an overnight operation coordinated with federal authorities.

The episode unfolded amid heightened tensions surrounding Iran and growing global scrutiny of the treatment of athletes who express dissent.

Iranian officials and state media had accused members of the squad of disloyalty after the anthem incident, intensifying fears among the players and their supporters.

Former United States President Donald Trump also highlighted the situation publicly and urged that the players be protected, warning that they could face severe consequences if compelled to return.

After speaking with Australian leaders, he later welcomed the humanitarian decision and praised the swift response to safeguard the athletes.

Reports from the tournament indicated that the players had faced intense pressure while in Australia, including monitoring by team officials and heightened security around the squad.

Supporters and members of the Iranian diaspora held demonstrations outside the team’s hotel, calling for protection and urging authorities to offer asylum.

Australia has indicated that the remaining members of the Iranian delegation may also seek assistance if they wish, and officials have said the option to request protection remains open.

International football authorities are monitoring the situation as discussions continue about the future of the players and their potential resettlement.

The incident has underscored the intersection of sport and geopolitics, with a major international tournament becoming the stage for a dramatic humanitarian decision involving athletes who feared the consequences of returning home.