The Iranian women's football team has returned to Iran after a controversial journey from Australia. Five members of the team withdrew asylum claims they had lodged in Australia and crossed the Turkish border overnight, according to Reuters.
Australia had initially granted humanitarian visas to six players and one support staff member who sought asylum, citing fears of persecution upon their return to Iran.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament, welcomed the team's return on X, referring to the players as Iran's "dear daughters." He praised them for resisting the "temptations" of life in Australia and not surrendering to the intimidation of those who dislike Iran.
Concerns about the team's safety arose after several players reportedly failed to sing the national anthem at a Women's Asian Cup match earlier this month, following the start of the war against Iran by the United States and Israel.
Iranian state television had previously labeled the players "wartime traitors."
