India, March 12 -- The Iranian women's soccer team left Australia minus seven of its members after tearful protests of their departure outside Sydney Airport and frantic final efforts inside the terminal by Australian officials, who sought to ensure the women understood they were being offered asylum.

As the team's flight time drew nearer and they passed through security late Tuesday, each woman was taken aside to meet alone with officials who explained through interpreters that they could choose not to return to Iran.

Seven women ultimately accepted humanitarian visas, allowing them to remain permanently in Australia after what Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke described as "emotional" meetings. One has since changed her mind...