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Members of the Iranian women’s football team walk through Kuala Lumpur International Airport with their luggage. AFP via Getty Images
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Members of Iran’s women’s football team arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on March 16, 2026. AFP via Getty Images
Requests for asylum, and changes of heart
The squad flew from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur on March 10 after being knocked out of the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, initially leaving behind six players and a support staff member who had accepted protection visas.
Four players and the staffer have since rejoined the team in Kuala Lumpur, the latest flying in on Monday. No reasons have been given for the changes of heart. The Iranian diaspora in Australia blames pressure from Tehran.
