Iran women's football captain withdraws Australia asylum bid: state media

State media reported on Sunday that the captain of Iran's women's football team, who took part in the Asian Cup in Australia, has pulled out of her asylum application, marking her as the fifth person from the group to reconsider.

Zahra Ghanbari plans to travel from Australia to Malaysia before continuing her journey back to Iran, according to the IRNA news agency.

Earlier, three players along with one support staff member had already abandoned their asylum claims and headed to Malaysia.

Human rights organisations have often claimed that Iranian officials coerce athletes overseas by issuing threats to their families or confiscating assets if they choose to defect or criticise the Islamic republic.

Iranian outlets celebrated her choice, with IRNA describing it as her "return to the warmth of the motherland" and Mehr news agency labelling it a "patriotic choice".

During the Women's Asian Cup, seven individuals from the Iranian football group in Australia requested protection after being labelled "traitors" back home for not singing the national anthem.

With the captain now opting to retract her asylum bid, just two remain committed to staying in Australia. Those heading back to Iran were staying at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, while preparing for their next flight.

Australian officials offered no quick response regarding Ghanbari's circumstances.

The previous week saw one player switch her mind, and on Saturday, two more players plus the staff member departed Australia.

Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke noted in a statement that "three members of the Iranian Women's Football Team chose to rejoin the team for their return to Iran".

He mentioned that upon notifying Australian authorities of their choice, "the players received multiple opportunities to discuss their alternatives", he added.

The Australian authorities provided the team with chances to apply for safety, though the players confronted "extremely tough choices", according to the minister.

This football incident has played out amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, sparked by US-Israeli airstrikes against Iran.

"The Australian Government took all possible steps to ensure these women had access to a secure life in Australia," Burke stated.

"Australians ought to take pride in the fact that our nation gave these women real options and engaged with officials aiming to support them."

Traitors

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the courage of the women, promising they would receive a warm welcome.

However, Iran's football governing authority has charged Australia with abducting the players and compelling them to abandon their country unwillingly.

The Iranian athletes drew global notice when they stood mute during the national anthem before a match in the tournament in Australia, seen as an act of resistance towards the Islamic republic.

A host on Iranian state television called the players "wartime traitors", heightening concerns that they might endure harassment or harsher treatment upon returning.

Even though the team sang the Islamic republic's anthem in subsequent games, campaigners for human rights cautioned that the initial refusal had lasting repercussions.