Canberra, March 10 -- Five members of the Iranian women's national football team have been granted humanitarian visas by the Australian Federal Police and the Australian government after they sought refuge in Australia amid fears of persecution if they returned to Iran, according to a report by 9 News.

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. The dramatic operation unfolded overnight, with the players assisted by Australian authorities before being moved to a secure location.

Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that h...