Australia Grants Safety to Iranian Soccer Team Members Amid Political Tensions

Two members of the Iranian women's soccer team were granted humanitarian visas in Australia, fearing for their safety if they returned home. This follows five players who sought asylum earlier. The team faced backlash in Iran after refusing to sing the national anthem during a match.

Australia has extended humanitarian visas to two additional members of the Iranian women's soccer team, amid increasing concerns for their safety should they return to Iran.

The decision follows an earlier grant of asylum to five players. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the acceptance of the government's offer by a player and a support staff member. The team's reluctance to sing Iran's national anthem during an Asia Cup match had provoked harsh criticism from Iranian state media.

Australian authorities offered the visas as a precaution, safeguarding the individuals after Iranian television branded the players as "wartime traitors." Despite the pressures, some team members opted to return to Iran, while others accepted Australia's sanctuary.

(With inputs from agencies.)