Canberra/IBNS, March 10 -- Australia has granted asylum to five Iranian women footballers on humanitarian grounds after concerns grew over their safety if they returned to Tehran following their anthem protest.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the development, assuring the players of their safety in the country.

After their elimination from the Asian Cup, the Iranian team were scheduled to fly back home. However, supporters raised concerns about the players' safety following their refusal to sing Iran's national anthem before the match against South Korea last week.

The act triggered backlash in Iran, with a conservative commentator demanding action against the players and calling them "wartime traitors", according ...