U.S. President Donald Trump has said the United States would be willing to offer asylum to members of Iran’s women’s national football team if Australia declines to grant them protection following their protest during a recent international tournament.
Reports indicate that several players from the Iranian women’s squad declined to sing their national anthem during a match at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup hosted in Australia, a gesture widely interpreted as a sign of protest against conditions in Iran.
According to media reports circulating online, some members of the team are now seeking asylum amid fears about potential repercussions if they return home. Iranian state media outlets have reportedly criticised the players’ actions, describing them as disloyal during a period of heightened national tension.
In a statement reported by international outlets, Trump urged Australian authorities to grant protection to the athletes, while indicating that the United States could step in if necessary.
“Don’t send them back to danger,” Trump said, adding that the U.S. would be prepared to consider asylum should Australia decline to do so.
Earlier reports suggested that Australian authorities were assisting several players as they explored asylum options. However, official confirmation from the Australian government regarding the status of the athletes has not yet been publicly detailed.
The situation has drawn attention from football supporters and human rights advocates, some of whom gathered outside team facilities during the tournament calling for protection for the players. Demonstrators reportedly waved Iranian flags associated with the pre-1979 era while chanting messages of support.
The case highlights growing international scrutiny of the risks faced by athletes who use sporting platforms to express political or social dissent.
Neither the Iranian football federation nor government officials have issued a detailed public response regarding the reported asylum claims.
If confirmed, the development could present a complex diplomatic issue involving sporting bodies, immigration authorities and international human rights organisations.
