Journalists from the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper who accompanied the night flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur reported dramatic scenes. Shortly before boarding, several players had tears in their eyes. One woman had one last phone call with her family to decide whether she wanted to be one of the teammates who stayed in Australia. In the end, she still got on the plane.

Fear of consequences for silent protest

The journey of the “Lionesses”, as the team is called, has been the focus of international attention for days. The team came under fire at home for a silent protest at the Asian Cup held in Australia. In the first group game, the players were silent during the national anthem – in Iran this was seen as a sign against the leadership in Tehran. State media later described them as “traitors,” even though they sang along again in the following games.

Observers fear that the women will face consequences upon their return. Or that their families will come under pressure if they do not return.

“I’m not allowed to talk to you.”

During the flight, many of the women sat in silence in the economy cabin, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. They responded cautiously to questions. “I’m not allowed to talk to you,” one player said, according to reporters, pointing to the team’s supervisors.

After landing in Kuala Lumpur in the morning (local time), Iran’s ambassador to Malaysia was already waiting at the exit of the jetty. While some officials greeted him, many players appeared quiet and tense, staring at their cell phones. From Malaysia, the team will travel to Iran via Turkey.

This was preceded by dramatic moments on the Gold Coast, where the players were staying during the tournament. Some are said to have shown SOS signs from the team bus. Activists then called on the Australian government to grant the women asylum.

Seven team members accept the offer of asylum

Five players were eventually given humanitarian visas after being taken from their hotel by Australian police. Two other team members also later decided not to return. According to Interior Minister Tony Burke, one of the women decided to fly back to Iran at the last minute.

Burke emphasized that all players were offered asylum before departure. “We made sure there was no rush, no pressure,” he said. However, many people refrained from doing so out of concern for their families in Iran. One player simply stated: “Iran is our home.”

However, exiled opposition politician Reza Pahlavi, son of the Shah of Persia who was overthrown in 1979, warned of possible repression. The regime often initially feigns reconciliation before punishment later follows. “First there are threats, then a staged show of mercy — and finally quiet retribution once the cameras are off,” he wrote.