SYDNEY, March 15 (Reuters) - Three members of the Iranian women's soccer team who had sought asylum in Australia have decided to return to Iran, the government said on Sunday. Australia granted
Three Iranian women soccer players to return home after seeking asylum in Australia
Return of Iranian Women Soccer Players After Seeking Asylum
SYDNEY, March 15 (Reuters) - Three members of the Iranian women's soccer team who had sought asylum in Australia have decided to return to Iran, Australia's government said on Sunday.
Background of the Asylum Request
Australia granted humanitarian visas to seven Iranian footballers last week after they sought asylum, saying they feared persecution if they returned home after they failed to sing the national anthem at a Women's Asian Cup match.
Decisions Made by the Players
Four of the seven members have decided to leave Australia so far. Another member changed her mind last week.
Official Statements from Australian Government
"After telling Australian officials they had made this decision, the players were given repeated chances to talk about their options," Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a statement.
"While the Australian Government can ensure that opportunities are provided and communicated, we cannot remove the context in which the players are making these incredibly difficult decisions," he added.
Identification of the Players
The Iranian Football Association (FFIRI) named the players as Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Sarbali and Zahra Meshkehkar.
Return to Iran and Reunification
"After arriving in Malaysia and joining the rest of Iran's women's national football team, the three players will travel to Tehran in the coming days to once again be embraced by their families and homeland," FFIRI added in a statement.
Context of the Asian Cup and Regional Tensions
The Iranian team's campaign in the Asian Cup started just as the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, killing the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They were eliminated from the tournament last Sunday.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Praveen Menon, Nick Mulvenney and Sam McKeith; Editing by Diane Craft and Jamie Freed)
