A member of Iran’s women’s soccer delegation who initially sought asylum in Australia has reversed her decision and opted to return home, Australian authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said 21-year-old striker Mohaddeseh Zolfi and support staffer Zahra Soltan Moshkehkar accepted Australia’s open offer of aid, following five teammates who had been granted asylum earlier. However, one of the two who initially chose to stay spoke with returning teammates and changed her mind.
“In Australia, people are able to change their mind, people are able to travel. And so, we respect the context in which she has made that decision,” Burke told reporters.
The remaining team members were moved to a safe location after the reversal, and all others who reached Sydney Airport chose to return to Iran. Australian officials had separated them from their Iranian minders and clearly explained their options, ensuring their decisions were made without pressure.
Supporters of the Iranian women’s soccer team gather at Sydney Airport, after five of the players were granted asylum, in Sydney, Australia, March 10, 2026. REUTERS/Jeremy Piper
The team has since reached Kuala Lumpur on their way back to Iran. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), based in Malaysia, confirmed their arrival and said they are being supported at a hotel until onward travel is confirmed. The Iranian embassy in Kuala Lumpur stated the players “want to return home” and are doing well.
Concerns about the players’ safety arose after Iranian state television called the squad “wartime traitors” for refusing to sing the national anthem during the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia earlier this month.
Supporters of the Iranian team gathered at Sydney Airport and on the Gold Coast to protest against the Iranian government and show solidarity with the players during their departure.
The Iranian team’s tournament coincided with heightened tensions following U.S. and Israeli air strikes in Iran, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The squad was eliminated from the competition on Sunday.
The Iranian general prosecutor’s office said on Tuesday that the remaining team members were invited back to the country “with peace and confidence,” according to Iranian media reports.
