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
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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.
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