Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:35am on 19 Mar 2026,Thursday Sports
Five members of Iran women's national football team have returned to Iran after dropping asylum bids in Australia. The squad travelled via Malaysia and Oman, landing in Igdir, Turkey, before crossing by coach. Players had initially sought humanitarian visas over fears of repercussions for remaining silent during the national anthem. Activists allege pressure through threats to families. Named players include Zahra Soltan Meshkehkar, Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Sarbali and captain Zahra Ghanbari. Two teammates granted sanctuary remain in Australia. Authorities earlier confirmed players were moved to safety, while Iran dismissed the episode as foreign interference. (PC: BBC)
