Two more connected to Iranian football team stay in Australia, BBC understands
It is understood most of the team left Australia on Tuesday night after losing their Sunday game in the Asian Cup.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"In Australia people are able to change their mind. We respect the context in which she had made that decision."
— Tony Burke , Politician
"There are some leaving Australia who I am glad are not in Australia."
— Tony Burke , Politician
"[They] had spoken to some of the teammates that had left and had changed her mind."
— Tony Burke , Politician
"Don't worry - Iran awaits you."
— Esmaeil Baqaei , Politician
"Australia pressured members of the women's soccer team into seeking asylum."
— Mehdi Taj , Other
"To Iran’s Women’s football team: don’t worry – Iran awaits you with open arms. Come home."
— Esmail Baghaei , Politician
"In Australia, people are able to change their mind, people are able to travel."
— Tony Burke , Politician
"We weren’t sure which way that person would go."
— Tony Burke , Politician
Key People
Esmaeil Baqaei is a spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry.
Esmail Baghaei is a spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry.
President of the Iranian Football Federation.
Mohaddeseh Zolfi is a player for the Iranian national football team.
Home Affairs Minister of Australia.
Zahra Soltan Meshkeh Kar is a support staff member for the Iranian national football team.
Tags
All Coverage
It is understood most of the team left Australia on Tuesday night after losing their Sunday game in the Asian Cup.
Seven members of the Iranian women's football team have been granted asylum in Australia, with the government confirming all but a few members of the delegation were individually offered refuge as they embarked on their journey home.
Australia's home affairs minister, Tony Burke, confirmed that two more members of the Iranian women's football team have been granted humanitarian visas, bringing the total to seven.
A player and a member of the team’s support staff decided to stay in Australia after seeking asylum, bringing the total number of team members granted humanitarian visas to seven.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Oman foreign minister to visit Tehran on Tuesday, Iranian foreign ministry says - Reuters
Oman foreign minister to visit Tehran on Tuesday, Iranian foreign ministry says Reuters
August 24, 2026 at 04:42 AMEngland World Cup hopes end after Netherlands draw
England's chances of World Cup glory are over after they draw 2-2 with the Netherlands.
August 24, 2026 at 08:40 PMMore British athletes convicted in connection with Baptiste case
BBC Sport reveals that Will Sharman, Richard Sharman and Lamin Deen were also convicted in the case which led to Leon Baptiste's imprisonment.
August 28, 2026 at 05:54 PMUsing international football to reignite Premier League dreams
Before his potential Premier League debut for Fulham, BBC Sport looks at the role international football has played in the development of players like Shea Charles.
August 23, 2026 at 06:48 PMFootball-NFL eyes expansion in Japan as international games reach record high - Reuters
Football-NFL eyes expansion in Japan as international games reach record high Reuters
August 28, 2026 at 05:19 PMCole leaves role as England U21 coach
Ashley Cole leaves his role as England Under-21 coach after five years in the position.
August 25, 2026 at 01:20 PM