Category: Sports

Several members of Iran Women’s National Football Team seeking asylum in Australia were evacuated from a safe house after a teammate revealed their location to Iranian officials, authorities confirmed Wednesday.

Seven members of Iran’s visiting women’s football delegation had sought protection after they were reportedly branded “traitors” in Iran for refusing to sing the national anthem during a tournament abroad.

According to Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, one member of the group later changed her mind after speaking with teammates who chose to return home instead of seeking asylum. The player then contacted the Embassy of Iran in Australia, revealing the location of the group’s safe house.

“As a result of that it meant the Iranian embassy now knew the location of where everybody was,” Burke said, adding that authorities immediately relocated the remaining asylum seekers to ensure their safety.

Iranian media outlets, including Shargh and Mehr News Agency, identified the player who withdrew her asylum request as Mohaddeseh Zolfi, though Australian officials have not confirmed her identity.

The situation unfolded after the team’s controversial protest during a tournament in Australia, where several players remained silent while Iran’s national anthem was played before a match. The gesture was widely interpreted as a sign of dissent against the government.

Following the incident, an Iranian state television presenter labelled the players “wartime traitors,” intensifying concerns among the athletes about possible persecution if they returned home.

Five players, including team captain Zahra Ghanbari, reportedly left the team hotel during the night to seek asylum, while two additional members of the delegation — a player and a staff member — were later granted protection before the team departed Sydney on Tuesday.

The remaining members of the squad are currently staying at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur while awaiting further travel arrangements, according to the Asian Football Confederation, which said it would provide support to the team during their stay.

Human rights groups say Iranian athletes abroad often face intense pressure from authorities, including threats directed at family members or warnings that property could be seized if they defect or criticize the government.

Iranian-Australian migration agent Naghmeh Danai said players she spoke with described being under strict supervision from Iranian officials travelling with the team.

“The members of the Iranian Women’s National Football Team are under significant pressure and ongoing threat from the Islamic Republic,” said exiled Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, who urged Australian authorities to ensure the athletes’ safety.

The incident risks further straining relations between Iran and Australia, after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly praised the players’ courage and said they would be welcomed if they chose to remain in the country.

Tottenham Hotspur endured another miserable night as they were beaten 5–2 by Atletico Madrid, piling further pressure on manager Igor Tudor and extending the club’s losing streak to four matches.

Despite making a promising start, Spurs quickly collapsed under Atletico’s relentless attacking pressure. The heavy defeat highlighted a team struggling with confidence and organization, leaving fans and pundits questioning whether Tudor is the right man to lead the club forward.

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson criticized the manager’s approach during commentary, saying Tudor has failed to get the best out of his squad. Robinson argued that players need encouragement rather than criticism, warning that the current atmosphere risks turning the dressing room against the coach.

Late in the match, Tottenham suffered another setback when defenders Cristian Romero and midfielder Joao Palhinha collided in a serious clash of heads while challenging for the ball with Alexander Sorloth. Romero was able to continue after treatment, but Palhinha was forced off the field, leaving Spurs to finish the match with 10 players. The injuries raise concerns ahead of their upcoming Premier League trip to Liverpool F.C..

Elsewhere in Europe, Bayern Munich delivered a dominant performance to crush Atalanta BC 6–1. Goals from Josip Stanisic, Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala overwhelmed the Italian side, with Nicolas Jackson also adding to the rout. Atalanta managed only a late consolation from Mario Pasalic. Notably, star striker Harry Kane remained on the bench throughout the match.

In England, Newcastle United were moments away from a famous victory over FC Barcelona before heartbreak struck in stoppage time. Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal converted a 95th-minute penalty after Dani Olmo was brought down in the box, earning Barcelona a dramatic 1–1 draw and denying Newcastle a memorable win.

The night’s results leave several European giants celebrating, while Tottenham face mounting criticism and growing pressure ahead of their next domestic challenge.