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One of the seven members of Iranian Women’s Football Team seeking asylum in Australia, changed her mind and contacted the Iranian embassy — thereby compromising the safe house.
Members of Iran’s women’s football team walk with their luggage as they arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (AFP)
Tensions continue to rise between Australia and Iran — as the Iranian Women’s Football Team’s saga takes another turn.
Australia’s secret safe house sheltering Iranian female footballers seeking asylum has been compromised, after one of the players changed her mind and contacted the Iranian embassy.
Safe House Location Compromised
Seven members of Iran’s visiting women’s football delegation had asked for and were provided refuge in Australia after they were branded “traitors” back home.
But the situation took a dramatic turn when one of the women reconsidered her decision.
According to Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, the player spoke with teammates who had chosen to return to Iran and ultimately decided to leave Australia as well.
In doing so, she contacted the Iranian embassy, unintentionally revealing the location of the secret safe house where the other asylum seekers were staying.
Burke confirmed the breach during Question Time on Wednesday.
“Shortly after 10am, one of the two women who had been planning to stay in Australia changed her mind,” Burke said.
“In Australia, people are able to change their minds, people are allowed to travel.
“We respect the context in which she has made that decision.”
However, the decision had immediate consequences.
“Unfortunately, in making that decision, she was advised by her teammates and coach to contact the Iranian Embassy and be collected,” Burke added.
“As a result of that, it meant that the Iranian Embassy now knew the location of where everybody was.”
Authorities moved quickly.
“I immediately gave them instructions for people to be moved, and that has been dealt with immediately,” Burke said.
How The Whole Saga Started
The crisis began when Iranian players remained silent during the national anthem ahead of a match in Australia — a gesture widely interpreted as a protest against the Islamic Republic.
The act sparked outrage in Iran. A presenter on state television labelled the players “wartime traitors”, fuelling fears they could face punishment if they returned home.
Soon after, five players, including captain Zahra Ghanbari, slipped out of their team hotel late at night and sought asylum in Australia.
Two additional members of the delegation, a player and a support staffer, later followed.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the athletes’ courage and said the country would welcome them. But Tehran has fiercely pushed back, accusing Australia of ‘kidnapping’ their athletes.
The identity of the player who reversed her asylum request has not been made public.
March 11, 2026, 4:32 PM IST
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