Iran Women’s Soccer Asylum Drama Takes Another Twist As Players Reverse Course
HuffPost
Most of the squad members who sparked a diplomatic furor by seeking asylum in Australia reversed their decisions and rejoined the team in Kuala Lumpur.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — The Iranian women’s soccer team is set to leave Malaysia on Monday night, ending days of uncertainty after most of the seven squad members who sparked a diplomatic furor by seeking asylum in Australia reversed their decisions and rejoined the team in Kuala Lumpur.
The Asian Football Confederation general secretary Windsor John told The Associated Press that the team’s departure Monday night was arranged by the Iranian embassy. He said the AFC, which is supporting the Iranian team in Kuala Lumpur, was told they are flying to Oman but that isn’t their final destination. He said he wasn’t aware of their full travel plans.
Asked if confederation is satisfied that the women will be safe back in Iran, Windsor said that both the AFC and FIFA will check up on them regularly with the Iranian football federation “as they are our girls as well.”
Requests for asylum, and changes of heart
The squad flew from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur on March 10 after being knocked out of the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, initially leaving behind six players and a support staff member who had accepted protection visas.
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