Iranian Women Footballers Evacuated from Safe House After Location Leak

An undated photo released by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs on March 11, 2026, shows two additional members of the Iranian women’s football team who have claimed asylum in Australia: player Mohaddeseh Zolfi (L) and support member Zahra Soltan Meshkeh Kar (3rd L), posing with five teammates who had earlier claimed asylum—Fatemeh Pasandideh (2nd L), Atefeh Ramezanizadeh (4th L), Mona Hamoudi (C), Zahra Ghanbari (4th R), and Zahra Sarbali (R)—alongside two local officials (2nd and 3rd R) in Sydney.

Two more members of Iran’s visiting women’s football team have sought asylum in Australia after being branded “traitors” at home for a pre-match protest, the government confirmed on March 11. *(Photo by Handout / Australian Department of Home Affairs / AFP — Editors Note: Restricted to editorial use. Mandatory credit: “AFP Photo / Department of Home Affairs”. No marketing or advertising campaigns.)*

**Quick Read**

Seven members of Iran’s visiting women’s football delegation who had sought asylum in Australia were evacuated from a safe house on Wednesday after one player disclosed their location to the Iranian Embassy in Australia.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the move, saying officials acted immediately after the security breach to ensure the players’ safety.

“One member of the group changed her mind after speaking with teammates who had opted to return to Iran instead of seeking asylum. As a result, the Iranian embassy now knew the location of everyone,” Burke said, adding that he immediately instructed officials to relocate the players.

The delegation had previously sought sanctuary in Australia after being labeled “traitors” in Iran for refusing to sing the national anthem before a tournament match.

The incident has heightened diplomatic tensions between Australia and Iran, with Tehran accusing Canberra of coercing the players to abandon their country. Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the players’ courage and assured they would be welcomed if they chose to remain in Australia.

Five players, including captain Zahra Ghanbari, reportedly left their team hotel early to seek asylum, while two others—a player and a support staff member—were later granted protection before the rest of the team departed Sydney.

It remains unclear which of the seven players disclosed the group’s location.

The Asian Football Confederation reported that the remaining Iranian squad members were staying at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur while arrangements were made for their return home.

A migration agent who spoke with some players said they were under heavy pressure and close monitoring from officials traveling with the team. Human rights activists have expressed concern that the players could face serious consequences if they return to Iran.

Exiled Iranian figure Reza Pahlavi called on the Australian government to ensure the players’ safety and provide them with necessary support.