'Give asylum': Trump demands Australia shelter defiant Iranian women's soccer team or says US will

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Monday, March 9, that the United States would be willing to grant asylum to members of Iran’s national women’s soccer team if Australia did not allow them to remain in the country after the AFC Women’s Asian Cup tournament.

The players drew international attention after declining to sing or salute during Iran’s national anthem before their opening match in Australia.

The gesture sparked criticism from Iranian state media and raised concerns among human rights advocates about potential repercussions if the players returned to Iran.

Trump urged Australian leaders to allow the athletes to stay, saying sending them home could put them in danger.

Trump urges Australia to 'give asylum' to Iranian national women's team

Trump addressed the issue in a social media post directed at Australia’s leadership, warning that forcing the team to return to Iran could have severe consequences.

“Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman's Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed,” Trump wrote. “Don't do it, Mr Prime Minister, give ASYLUM.”

He added that the United States would be prepared to accept the players if Australia declined to do so. “The US will take them if you won't,” Trump wrote.

The Iranian women’s team traveled to Australia to compete in the Asian Cup, which began around the same time that the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran.

The military strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and intensified regional tensions. During the tournament, the Iranian team was eliminated after losing 2–0 to the Philippines.

Calls for asylum intensified after Iranian media criticized the team’s decision to remain silent during the national anthem before their opening match against South Korea.

The move was interpreted by some observers as a sign of protest. One commentator on Iran’s state broadcaster described the players’ action as the “pinnacle of dishonor.”

Safety fears grow for Iranian women's team

The backlash from Iranian state media and the broader political context have raised concerns among international sports organizations and rights groups about the players’ safety.

Global players’ union FIFPRO said earlier this week that it had serious concerns about the welfare of the team as members prepared to return home after the tournament.

The players’ initial decision not to sing the anthem drew widespread attention, but the team sang and saluted during the anthem before their second match against Australia.

The shift prompted speculation among human rights advocates that the athletes may have been under pressure from officials accompanying them.

Craig Foster, a former captain of Australia’s men’s national soccer team and a human rights advocate, said that the personal circumstances of the players could complicate their decisions.

“Most of them have families back home, some of them have children back home, and even if offered the right to remain in Australia, if they feel unsafe, many of them may not accept that opportunity,” Foster said. “What's most important is that the offer is made.”

Australian officials have not confirmed whether any asylum requests have been filed.