The first indications that something was amiss occurred when several Iranians in the team were observed chatting informally in the team hotel lobby with members of the local Iranian community. Observers expected the 26-member roster to be under strict observation with limited internet access and very little contact with individuals who were not part of the team.
A Quiet Departure from the Team Hotel
Later that evening, members of the Iranian authorities who were travelling with the national team were witnessed in the lobby of the hotel running around looking for some of the players who had gone missing, having departed the hotel earlier. The missing players had left the hotel discreetly and this created considerable confusion and concern for the officials who were travelling with the national team.
Subsequently, five (5) of the players—Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh and Mona Hamoudi—made a request for asylum with Australian authorities. Less than four hours later, all five had received Humanitarian Visas that provided for them to remain in the country.
Two other individuals associated with the national team subsequently expressed a desire to remain in Australia. The four were moved from the hotel to a law enforcement detention facility located near Brisbane Airport and were reunited with the other five players.An Iranian footballer and teammate of a 29-year-old player from the Men's National Team of Belgium is being pressured to return to Iran after being put under pressure by authorities following the opening match of the Men's World Cup on December 3, 2016, in Russia, in which both players played for Iran.
The Belgium player, who has been named but whose full identity is not being released for safety reasons, returned to Belgium with his team after the match was completed on December 3 but was later contacted by police of the United States in Washington, D.C., who were acting at the request of the Iranian government. There is some speculation that Iranian authorities will impose retribution on the Iran player if he remains in Belgium.
Iranian authorities have taken strong steps to suppress dissent and protests against the regime's policies, which are seen as a major contributing factor to the recent wave of protests in Iran. The recent protests have been fueled by various issues facing the people of Iran, including the rising costs of living, inflation, unemployment, corruption and government overreach. Many Iranians view the current regime as being very oppressive, and there are many protests, or "freedom protests," taking place all over the country.
One of the most important things about the players involved in this incident is that they come from a very close-knit community of more than 85,000 people who are from Iran and live in Australia. Many of the Australian-Iranian community members mobilised quickly to provide assistance and support to the players, many of whom are now staying in Australia permanently. As well as providing support and encouragement to the players who returned to Australia, many of the players from the Australian-Iranian community have also helped support the players during their time in Canada and have spoken with many of the players about the asylum process.
Australia's immigration representatives were quick to respond to the players' requests for protection. Tony Burke, Australia's Minister for Immigration, said officials provided the players with privacy and sufficient time to decide on their course of action without any pressure.
The players who opted to remain in Australia face an uncertain future, with many expressing concern about their families and property in Iran, as well as their ability to continue their careers here in Australia without any fear of violence from the regime in Iran. Most of the players who will stay in Australia have indicated this will require a fresh start away from home, but their supporters are confident this will provide them with stability, personal safety and the opportunity to continue their athletic careers without fear.
