Seven members of the Iranian women’s soccer team have stayed in Australia while the remainder of the squad has returned to Iran, a source told CNN Sports.
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that five players had been granted humanitarian visas due to concerns over their safety if they returned home. According to the source, two additional team members—a player and a staff member—have also sought asylum in Australia.
The rest of the squad is believed to have departed for Iran, though details on their travel route and arrival time remain unclear.
An eyewitness at the hotel where the team was staying said crowds tried to block the team bus from leaving for Gold Coast Airport in Queensland. The observer added that one player appeared to be crying as security personnel escorted the squad onto the bus.
