Donald Trump Urges Australia To Grant Asylum To Iran Women’s Football Team

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Australia to provide asylum to members of the Iran women's national football team, warning that sending them back to Iran could put their lives at risk.

In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump criticised Australia's stance and described the decision as a serious humanitarian mistake.

Trump Warns Australia Over Players' Safety

Donald Trump said Australia should reconsider allowing the Iranian players to return to their country.

According to him, forcing the athletes to go back to Iran could put them in danger. He warned that they might face severe consequences due to recent controversies involving the team.

Trump also called on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to provide asylum to the players.

In his message, Trump stated that if Australia does not offer protection to the athletes, the United States would be willing to take them in.

Players Take Shelter in Safe House

Reports indicate that at least five members of the Iran women's national football team have taken refuge in a safe house after their participation in the Asian Cup tournament.

The players had been expected to return home after their team was eliminated from the competition.

However, concerns over their safety have grown following a controversial moment during the tournament.

Supporters and activists fear the players may face punishment if they return to Iran.

Anthem Controversy Sparks Backlash

The controversy began when the Iranian players refused to sing the national anthem before their match against South Korea during the tournament.

The act drew strong criticism from Iranian authorities and commentators.

One commentator reportedly labelled the players as "wartime traitors" and called for strict punishment against them.

Although the team later sang the anthem in two subsequent matches, Iranian state television continued to criticise their earlier protest, describing it as a major act of dishonour.

Supporters Call for Protection

Following the controversy, supporters gathered to express solidarity with the athletes and urged governments to ensure their safety.

Some protesters were seen holding the historic Lion and Sun flag, a symbol used before Iran's 1979 revolution, while chanting slogans such as "Save our girls."

Activists are urging authorities to protect the players and prevent them from being forced to return to Iran.

Growing International Attention

The situation has attracted international attention as governments and human rights advocates debate the safety of the athletes.

Trump's statement has further intensified the discussion, as he publicly urged Australia to provide asylum to the players.

For now, the future of the Iranian footballers remains uncertain, with supporters continuing to call for protection and safe options for the team members.