Iranian Female Footballers Safe with Australian Police After Fleeing Team Hotel For Fear of Persecution

Five members of the Iranian women’s national soccer team are currently safe and under the protection of Australian police after leaving their team hotel on the Gold Coast, a source familiar with the situation has told CNN Sports.

The players – part of the squad competing in the Women’s Asian Cup – are at the centre of growing international concern and calls for Australia to prevent their return to Iran, where the country is engaged in an escalating war with the United States and Israel under a new hardline supreme leader.

The five players left the hotel late Sunday or early Monday local time. Supporters and members of the local Iranian diaspora gathered outside the team’s accommodation over the weekend, urging police to intervene and protect the athletes.

Hadi Karimi, a human rights advocate and member of the Iranian community in Queensland, said supporters saw at least three players inside the bus making the international hand signal for help as it departed after Iran’s final match – a 2-0 defeat to the Philippines on Sunday.

While a source close to the team expressed scepticism to CNN that the players would necessarily recognize the gesture, Karimi described Monday’s development as “amazing news” and expressed hope that more players would now seek similar protection.

Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s ousted Shah and a prominent exiled opposition figure, added his voice to the appeals, warning on X that the players face “dire consequences” if forced to return. “As a result of their brave act of civil disobedience in refusing to sing the current regime’s national anthem, they face dire consequences should they return to Iran,” he posted. “I call on the Australian government to ensure their safety and give them any and all needed support.”

A source close to the team told CNN that some individuals attending Sunday’s match were present for political reasons, including lobbying support for Pahlavi as a potential future leader of Iran.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that it would be a “terrible humanitarian mistake” if Australia allowed the players to return to Iran, and stated that the United States would grant them asylum if Australia did not. The offer comes despite Trump’s administration imposing travel bans on Iranians last year.

FIFA has told CNN Sports it remains in close contact with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which organized the tournament, and relevant Australian authorities including Football Australia. “The safety and security of IR Iran’s women’s national team are FIFA’s priority,” a spokesperson said.

Defiance During the Tournament

The Iranian team’s participation in the Women’s Asian Cup has unfolded against a backdrop of national turmoil. Before their opening match last Monday, the players stood in silence during the Iranian national anthem – a gesture widely interpreted by hardliners inside Iran as an act of defiance or treason.

Sources told CNN Sports the players were forced to sing the anthem ahead of their second match on Thursday. On Sunday, before their final group game, they sang the anthem and gave a military salute.

Craig Foster, former Australian international and human rights advocate, said a “vast range” of organizations had attempted to speak with the players during their time in Australia but were denied access. “No athlete group should ever be effectively held hostage by their own member federation and denied access to external support networks,” he said.

Beau Busch, President of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, which represents professional players in the region, told the ABC that FIFPRO had been unable to contact members of the Iranian team. “Our responsibility right now is to do everything within our power to try and make sure that they’re safe,” he said.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong declined to comment when asked on Sunday whether there had been contact between Australian officials and the players. She said she did not want to “get into commentary about the Iranian women’s team” but reiterated Australia’s solidarity with Iranian women and girls.

The players’ situation has become a focal point of concern as Iran’s new leadership consolidates power amid war and domestic uncertainty. Supporters outside the hotel have continued to keep watch, fearing the team bus could depart for the airport with the remaining players on board. “We want you to separate them from IRGC,” Karimi said, referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

As of March 9, 2026, the five players remain in police protection. It is unclear whether others from the squad will seek similar assistance.