Iranian womens national football team lands in Turkey en route to homeland

The Iranian womens national football team touched down at Istanbul Airport on Tuesday after a number of delegation members pulled out of their asylum requests in Australia and opted to go back home.

Video footage from Turkish news outlet DHA depicted the athletes in their Iranian team tracksuits proceeding through the arrivals hall at Istanbul Airport.

The team made their way to Turkey through Oman and Kuala Lumpur after departing Australia where they had been taking part in the Asian Cup.

"I miss my family" one player remarked to AFP on Monday while at Kuala Lumpur Airport.

DHA reported that the players departed Istanbul Airport with a police escort and proceeded to a hotel in the city.

They are scheduled to fly back to Iran on Wednesday according to the Turkish private news agency.

Seven individuals from the delegation sought refuge in Australia last week after being labelled "traitors" back home for declining to sing the national anthem during their first Womens Asian Cup match.

Just two are still in Australia following the others reversal of their decisions.

Human rights organisations have claimed that Tehran pressures athletes overseas by threatening their families with property confiscation should they defect or criticise the Islamic republic.

Iranian officials countered by alleging that Australia coerced the players into remaining.