Three Iranian Footballers to Return to Iran from Australia

Three of the Iranian female footballers who had sought asylum in Australia have decided to return to their homeland. Initially, seven members of the Iranian women's football team had received refugee status in Australia.

According to a statement by the Australian Minister for Home Affairs, the three footballers informed the Australian authorities of their decision to return. Tony Burke pointed out that they were given many opportunities to discuss their options.

The players had arrived in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup in February. Six players and one member of the support staff received humanitarian visas, while the rest of the team returned on March 9.

Of the original seven team members who had sought asylum, only three remain in Australia.