Five Iranian female footballers seek asylum in Australia during Women's Asian Cup

Five players from Iran's national women's football team have left their hotel accommodation in the Brisbane area and requested asylum in Australia, according to reports on Monday.

The athletes departed during the Women's Asian Cup tournament. According to Iran International, the players are currently in a safe location, reportedly in Canberra, under protection from Australian police.

The decision to seek asylum followed threats the players received after refusing to sing Iran's national anthem before their opening match against South Korea in the competition. The refusal to sing was interpreted as solidarity with protests occurring in Iran and victims of the regime's crackdown.

In subsequent matches against Australia and the Philippines, which the team lost, the players sang the national anthem and performed a military salute, according to reports.

The case has drawn international attention. Former U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, stating: "Australia is committing a terrible humanitarian error by allowing Iran's female football team to be forced to return to Iran, where they will very likely be killed. Do not do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give them ASYLUM. The United States will take them if you will not."

Trump's statement, which was also circulated by the White House, offered U.S. acceptance of the athletes should Australia decline to grant them asylum.

CNN reported that the five players are currently in a safe location under Australian police protection, with growing concern about potential consequences should they return to Iran.