Trump Urges Australia To Grant Asylum To Iranian Women’s Football Team After Not Reciting Regime’s Anthem
United States President Donald Trump has urged Australia to offer asylum to the Iranian women’s football team, warning that the US would step in to provide refuge if Australia does not act.
The call comes amid concerns for the players’ safety after they did not sing Iran’s national anthem before their opening match at the Asian Cup in Gold Coast, raising fears of persecution if they return home. Normally, the team would have departed after being eliminated at the group stage following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to the Philippines, but reports indicate they remain in Australia.
On Monday, reports suggested that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) assisted five team members in leaving their team base and moving to a safe house. Neither the AFP nor the Department of Home Affairs has officially commented.
Trump posted on Truth Social: “Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Women’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed. Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give asylum. The U.S. will take them if you won’t. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President Donald J. Trump.”
FIFA confirmed it is in “close contact” with Australian authorities, emphasizing that the players’ safety and security are its top priorities. The squad sang the national anthem and saluted during their final two matches, but their initial refusal drew criticism from supporters of the Iranian regime.
The situation unfolds against the backdrop of escalating tensions following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks on Gulf states hosting US military bases. These developments have disrupted travel and planning across the region, including Iraq’s preparations for a World Cup play-off match in Mexico on March 31.
Iraq’s coach, Australian Graham Arnold, proposed rescheduling the match against Bolivia or Suriname before the World Cup finals in June. He added that if Iran withdraws, Iraq could take their place, with the UAE stepping into Iraq’s play-off position.
