Iran women’s football team heads to airport as clock ticks on Australia’s offer of asylum

<ul><li><p>Protesters try to block bus carrying Iran women players at hotel</p></li><li><p>Advocates working to inform players of their rights</p></li></ul><p>The Iranian women’s football team left their hotel and arrived at Gold Coast airport on Tuesday afternoon, appearing to have just hours left to take up Australia’s offer of asylum before they depart the country.</p><p>Five players, led by captain Zahra Ghanbari, were formally granted protection in Australia by home affairs minister Tony Burke early on Tuesday morning. The group has already been given an offer to train with A-League Women club Brisbane Roar.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/mar/10/iran-womens-football-team-asylum-australia">Continue reading...</a>