Five members of Iran women's football team granted asylum in Australia - 'we have taken them into our hearts'

Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five members of the Iran women's team that left the squad's training camp in the Gold Coast to seek refuge in the country. 

According to the communications office of Prince Reza Pahlavi, the five women are Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh and Mona Hamoudi. Pahlavi is the son of the last Shah of Iran and lives in exile in the USA.

Tony Burke, Australia's home affairs minister, said the women were transported "to a safe location" by Australian federal police officers where they met with Burke and the processing of their humanitarian visas was finalised.

"I say to the other members of the team: the same opportunity is there," Burke said. "Australia has taken the Iranian women's soccer team into our hearts."

Burke's announcement came after Donald Trump called on Australia to grant asylum to any team member who wanted it.

The Iranian team arrived in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup last month, before the Iran war began. The team was knocked out of the tournament over the weekend and was facing the prospect of returning to a country under bombardment.

During the tournament, the players mostly declined to comment on the situation in Iran, although forward Sara Didar choked back tears in a news conference last Wednesday as she shared the players' concerns for their families, friends and fellow Iranians during the conflict.

The players did not sing the anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran before their opening game of the tournament against South Korea on March 2, leading to fears they would be punished if they returned to the country.

They have been threatened and accused of being "wartime traitors" on Islamic Republic state TV.

FIFA released a statement confirming they were in contact with Australian authorities to prioritise the safety of the five women.

"The safety and security of IR Iran's women's national team are FIFA's priority, and we therefore remain in close contact with the AFC and the relevant Australian authorities, including Football Australia, in relation to the team's situation," read a statement.

Refugees can seek asylum in Australia if they fear persecution and the risk of serious harm in their home country.