On Tuesday evening, the Australian Federal Police assisted 21-year-old striker Mohaddeseh Zolfi and support staffer Zahra Soltan Moshkehkar in claiming asylum, one day after Australia had granted protection to five other Iranian players. However, after speaking with teammates who had already returned to Iran, one of the two decided to go back.

Earlier reports stated that Australia had granted asylum to five Iranian women footballers who feared returning home after refusing to sing the national anthem during their Women’s Asian Cup match—a move that Iranian state television labelled “wartime treachery.”

Authorities Move Players After Embassy Contact
Burke told parliament that the remaining asylum seekers were moved to a secure location after the player who reversed her decision contacted the Iranian embassy, revealing her whereabouts.

“One of the two who had decided to stay had spoken with some teammates who had left and changed her mind. In Australia, people can change their minds and travel freely. We respect the context in which she made that decision,” Burke said, without naming the player returning to Iran.

Australian Federal Police had separated Zolfi and Moshkehkar from the rest of the team before they boarded a domestic flight to Sydney. The remaining players were also separated from Iranian minders at Sydney airport and informed about their asylum options. Ultimately, all who reached the airport chose to return home.

Burke emphasized that no one was rushed or pressured, and every step was taken to ensure the players’ dignity in making their decisions.

Team Stops in Malaysia on Route to Iran
Reports indicate the Iranian women’s team left Australia on Tuesday and arrived in Kuala Lumpur en route to Iran. The Asian Football Confederation confirmed their arrival, stating the players were staying at a hotel in the Malaysian capital.

“The AFC will provide all necessary support to the team during their stay until onward travel arrangements are finalized,” a spokesperson said. The Iranian embassy in Kuala Lumpur told Malaysian media that the players were well and “want to return home.”

The team’s campaign in Australia coincided with heightened tensions in Iran, including airstrikes by the United States and Israel that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iranians in Australia demonstrated support for the players, surrounding their bus on the Gold Coast and appearing at Sydney airport as the team departed. Meanwhile, Iran’s general prosecutor’s office reportedly invited the remaining members back to the country “with peace and confidence,” according to Iranian media.