More players from Iran's women's national football team return despite being granted asylum in Australia

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More players from Iran's women's national football team return despite being granted asylum in Australia
Photo: Dave Hunt/AP/TT

State-run Iranian media reported earlier on Saturday that the three people had chosen to withdraw their asylum applications. In total, three players and one manager have now chosen to leave Australia this week.

"They have made the decision to join the rest of the team on their journey back to Iran," Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a statement.

In early March, players on the Iranian women's national team chose not to sing the national anthem during a match at the Asian Championships in Australia.

It could be interpreted as a silent protest against the Iranian regime, which was attacked by the US and Israel in late February. The players were then branded "traitors" on Iranian state television. In the following match, the players saluted during the national anthem.

After Iran's final group match in the tournament, six players and one manager sought and were granted asylum. Three of them remain in Australia while four have left the country.

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By TT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers

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