Arabic version: فريق كرة القدم النسائي الإيراني يُرحب به في الوطن من قبل الحكومة

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the women’s football team returning from the Asian Cup in Australia will be welcomed home “with open arms.” Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei made the statement on Tuesday, urging the players to “come home” just hours after five members of the squad sought asylum in Australia following their exit from the tournament. According to Al Jazeera, the general prosecutor’s office also invited the remaining players to return with “peace and confidence.”

The players’ decision to stand in silence during Iran’s anthem before their match against South Korea has raised concerns about their safety upon returning to Iran. Following this incident, the Australian government granted humanitarian visas to the five players, who were subsequently placed under police protection. Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, confirmed that he had informed the five members “that they are welcome to stay in Australia, that they are safe here, and they should feel at home here.”

In response to the situation, Iranian officials have expressed their disapproval of the players’ actions during the anthem, labeling it as the “pinnacle of dishonour.” The Iranian general prosecutor’s office stated that the players’ behavior was influenced by external forces and urged the public not to misinterpret their actions.

The players left their hotel on the Gold Coast under police escort, surrounded by protests from members of the Iranian diaspora opposing the Iranian government. As the team navigates this complex situation, the Iranian government continues to assert that the players will be welcomed back into the country.