Most Of Iran Women's Football Team Left Australia After Declining Asylum Offers

The Iranian women’s soccer team left Australia minus seven of its members, after tearful protests of their departure outside Sydney Airport and frantic final efforts inside the terminal by Australian officials who sought to ensure the women understood they were being offered asylum. 

As the team's flight time drew nearer and they passed through security late Tuesday, each woman was taken aside to meet alone with officials who



explained through interpreters that they could choose not to return to Iran.

Seven other women earlier accepted humanitarian visas allowing them to remain permanently in Australia. 

Eventually, after what Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke described as “emotional” meetings, no more women accepted the offers of asylum and the team’s flight departed Sydney with all remaining members on board.