Iranian Women’s Football Team Journey Home via Istanbul After Asylum Withdrawal

World News

Iranian Women’s Football Team Journey Home via Istanbul After Asylum Withdrawal

1 hour ago

News sources:

DAWN 3

REUTERS

Iranian Women’s Football Team Journey Home via Istanbul After Asylum Withdrawal

Credited from: REUTERS

The Iranian women's football team arrived in Istanbul on their journey home from Malaysia.
Five players withdrew their asylum claims in Australia due to safety concerns.
The team faced challenges due to airspace closures following recent strikes in Iran.

The Iranian women's football team arrived in Istanbul on Tuesday as part of their journey back home from Malaysia. This follows the decision of five players to withdraw asylum claims they had lodged in Australia, where humanitarian visas were previously granted to six players and one support staff member fearing persecution if they returned to Iran, according to Dawn and Reuters.

Concerns for the players' safety escalated after several did not sing the national anthem during a match at the Women's Asian Cup, prompting fears of repercussions upon their return. After the latest withdrawals, only two players remain in Australia, as reported by Dawn, Reuters, and Anadolu Agency.

Due to the airspace closure following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, the team's travel included stops in Malaysia and Oman before reaching Türkiye. Upon arriving at Istanbul Airport, the team completed passport checks under police escort and then continued their journey back to Iran by road, according to Anadolu Agency.