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Members of the Iranian women's national team have left their Gold Coast hotel and are seeking refuge in Australia; FIFA in talks with Australian authorities to ensure their safety; the players did not sing the national anthem of Iran before facing South Korea in the Asian Cup Monday 9 March 2026 16: 48, UK Five members of the Iran women's football team have left the squad's training camp in the Gold Coast and are seeking refuge in Australia. They are being looked after by the Australian Federal Police and their claims are being processed by the Department of Home Affairs. According to the communications office of Prince Reza Pahlavi, the five women are Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh and Mona Hamoudi. The players did not sing the anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran before their opening game of the tournament against South Korea on March 2, leading to fears they would be punished if they returned to Iran. They have been threatened and accused of being "wartime traitors" on Islamic Republic state TV. Pahlavi is the son of the last Shah of Iran and lives in exile in the United States. A statement from his communications office on X, formerly Twitter, said: "Announcement: Prince Reza Pahlavi's office has been informed that five players from the Iranian women's national football team: Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi, have left the team's training camp and successfully sought refuge in Australia. " Meanwhile, FIFA are in talks with the Australian authorities to ensure the squad are safe from harm. FIFA released a statement confirming they were in contact with Australian authorities to prioritise the safety of the five women. "The safety and security of IR Iran's women's national team are FIFA's priority, and we therefore remain in close contact with the AFC and the relevant Australian authorities, including Football Australia, in relation to the team's situation. " Iran were eliminated from the Asian Cup after losing to the Philippines on Sunday. They were due to leave Australia on Monday but they are still at their Queensland resort hotel. Refugees can seek asylum in Australia if they fear persecution and the risk of serious harm in their home country. US President Donald Trump has confirmed he is in contact with Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, to ensure the safety of the entire Iranian women's team. "I just spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia concerning the Iranian National Women's Soccer Team, " Trump said on Truth Social. "He's on it! Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way. Some, however, feel like they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don't return. "In any event, the Prime Minister is doing a very good job having to do with this rather delicate situation. God bless Australia! President Donald J. Trump. "

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