Iranian women’s soccer team returns home after declining asylum in Australia: report

Earlier this month, Australia granted asylum to 5 members of nan Iranian women's shot squad who were visiting nan state for a tourney erstwhile nan U.S. and Israel launched a associated subject run against nan country. The remaining members of nan team, however, faced uncertainty.

After nan squad was knocked retired of nan Women’s Asian Cup, astir of nan players that initially sought asylum later changed their minds.

On Wednesday, each but 2 yet returned to Iran aft declining asylum offers successful Australia, according to unconfirmed Iranian authorities media reports.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Video circulating connected societal media showed nan shot players entering Iran aft a formation landed successful Turkey. Those aforesaid athletes were antecedently seen walking done nan state by autobus soon aft nan formation returned to Iran. Multiple officials were reportedly coming astatine nan separator erstwhile nan shot squad arrived.

Members of Iran's women's shot squad committee a autobus astatine Igdir airdrome to scope Dogubeyazit, successful Igdir connected March 18, 2026. The Iranian women's nationalist shot squad landed astatine Istanbul Airport connected March 17, 2026, aft respective members of nan delegation withdrew their asylum bids successful Australia. (Ali IHSAN OZTURK / AFP via Getty Images)

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were nan 2 members of nan Iranian nationalist squad who reportedly elected to enactment down successful Australia. Both person been training pinch nan Brisbane Roar club.

IRAN WRESTLING CHAMPION SPEAKS OUT AGAINST COUNTRY'S TREATMENT OF FEMALE ATHLETES AMID SOCCER PLAYER CONCERNS

Iran’s squad arrived successful Australia for nan tourney soon earlier nan warfare began connected Feb. 28. The squad initially gained world attraction aft immoderate players stayed silent during Iran’s nationalist anthem earlier their first game.

Members of Iran's women's shot squad exit Igdir airport, waiting to scope Dogubeyazit, successful Igdir connected March 18, 2026. The Iranian women's nationalist shot squad landed astatine Istanbul Airport connected March 17, 2026, aft respective members of nan delegation withdrew their asylum bids successful Australia. (Ali IHSAN OZTURK / AFP via Getty Images)

When nan squad was knocked retired of nan tourney and faced nan imaginable of returning to a state nether bombardment, calls grew for Australia’s authorities to connection nan women asylum. Iranian groups successful Australia and President Donald Trump were among those who expressed fears for nan women’s safety.

Iranian first Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref past week dismissed suggestions nan women would beryllium unsafe if they returned home, saying nan state "welcomes its children pinch unfastened arms and nan authorities guarantees their security."

Trump besides commented connected nan Iranian men’s team’s World Cup participation, suggesting past week that while nan squad is "welcome" to compete successful nan U.S. aft qualifying, it mightiness not beryllium "appropriate."

Iran's players airs for a squad image up of nan FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia area qualifiers group A shot lucifer betwixt Iran and North Korea astatine nan Azadi Sports Complex successful Tehran connected June 10, 2025. (ATTA KENARE/AFP)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"The Iran National Soccer Team is invited to The World Cup, but I really don’t judge it is due that they beryllium there, for their ain life and safety," Trump wrote successful a station to Truth Social station connected March 12.

Iran's men's squad is slated to play successful Inglewood, California, against New Zealand connected June 15. It is besides scheduled to look Belgium connected June 21 earlier finishing group play against Egypt successful Seattle connected June 26. The U.S. is hosting nan tourney pinch Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports sum connected X, and subscribe to nan Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.