Australian Home Minister Tony Burke has confirmed that two additional members of the Iranian women’s football squad have requested asylum in Australia, bringing the total number of squad members staying in the country to seven.
Speaking on the development, Burke said one player and one member of the support staff had requested to remain in Australia. “They are all safe here. We welcome them to Australia and I have personally signed the documents for humanitarian visas,” he added.
Earlier, Australia had granted asylum to five other players from the Iranian women’s football team, issuing humanitarian visas and allowing them to stay in the country.
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Roar Football Club has extended offers for these asylum-seeking players to continue their football careers in Australia.
The remaining members of the Iranian squad who did not seek asylum have returned to Iran via Malaysia.