More members of Iranian soccer team seek asylum as most of squad leaves Australia

Seven members of the Iranian women’s soccer team are still in Australia, while the remaining players have returned to Iran, as reported by CNN. Earlier on Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that five players had received humanitarian visas due to concerns for their safety if they go back to Iran. A source familiar with the team has informed CNN Sports that an additional two individuals, consisting of one player and one staff member, have also requested asylum in Australia. Meanwhile, the rest of the team is understood to have left the country, but it is unclear what route they will take or when they will arrive in Iran. For context, the Iranian women’s soccer team traveled to Australia to compete in the Women’s Asian Cup. There are worries that the team may face repercussions upon their return to Iran after they remained silent during the national anthem last week.