Australia pressured Iranian women’s team to seek asylum

Taj said some players were removed from their hotel by police after the game and that authorities prevented individuals from speaking with them, according to information received by the federation.

He added that the team was traveling from Sydney toward Kuala Lumpur when police blocked their departure and urged the players to apply for asylum.

“Police came and completely stopped them at the jet gate and told them to apply for asylum,” Taj said.

Taj also criticized comments by US President Donald Trump, who encouraged players to seek refuge abroad.

“I don’t understand why the US president would post messages about a women’s team within two days and encourage increasing the number of refugees,” Taj said.

Meanwhile, Taj said Iranian authorities had contacted international football bodies, including FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation, as well as Australian officials, to lodge formal complaints.

He said the federation had sent seven to eight letters since the previous day describing the incident and calling the situation “inhumane.”

Separately, Taj said Iranian officials had reassured the players they could safely return home, dismissing claims circulating among them that they might face punishment.

MNA/TSN