The Iranian footballer reversed her decision after discussions with team members and then informed the Iranian embassy in Canberra about the secret whereabouts of her escaped colleagues.

This step had immediate consequences: “As a result, the Iranian embassy now knew where everyone was,” said Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke.

Iranian soccer player changes her mind, then colleagues have to be evacuated

He then ordered the immediate transfer of the remaining asylum seekers to a new, safe location.

For the returnee, the journey home will likely mean a permanent separation from those teammates who remain in exile in Australia.

The Departure of the rest of the team from Australia late Tuesday evening took place under the strictest security precautions. As Australian media and the BBC report, Minister Burke was personally present at Sydney Airport. A “very clear police presence” ensured that the female players were physically separated from their male companions and minders so that they could decide on their future without external pressure. There they were offered all the options again.

“We made sure there was no rush and no pressure,” Burke said. The women were provided with interpreters and given the opportunity to telephone their families in Iran.

Despite the offer of humanitarian visas, most of the team decided to fly back to Tehran via Kuala Lumpur.

Players did not sing the Iranian national anthem

Trigger of the dramatic events were the first group game of the Asian Championship against South Korea. The players collectively refrained from singing the national anthem. The gesture came two days after the start of US-Israeli attacks against Iran and was seen as criticism of the Islamic Republic. The women were then accused of “treason” in Iranian state media.

A total of six people – including captain Sahra Ghanbari – were given asylum by the Australian authorities after they escaped from the team hotel under cover of darkness.

Iranian women returning home face an uncertain future

While the six women remaining in Australia are safe for the time being, the situation for the returnees is unclear. Human rights experts warn of possible reprisals in Iran due to the anthem protest and the attempted dismissal of parts of the team.

The players, who are now on the plane together, are leaving behind team members who they may never see again due to the political situation.