Canberra, March 10 -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that the Iranian soccer players who had been granted humanitarian visas to stay in Australia are safe in the country..

"Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They're safe here, and they should feel at home here,'' Albanese said.

The players - Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh and Mona Hamoudi - reportedly escaped from team handlers at a hotel on Australia's Gold Coast following their participation in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, reported Channel 9 News. The dramatic operation unfolded overnight, with the players assisted by Australian authorities before being moved to a secure location.

Australia'...