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Controversy erupted earlier in the competition when members of the team refused to sing the Iranian national anthem.
By United with Israel Staff
Israel’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel has made an unusual diplomatic appeal urging Australia to grant political asylum to members of Iran’s national women’s soccer team following fears they could face persecution if forced to return home.
In a letter sent Monday to Australia’s chargé d’affaires in Israel, Lyndall Sachs, Gamliel warned that the players could face serious danger if they are sent back to Iran after competing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
“I am writing to you with urgency and deep concern following appeals from members of the Iranian women’s national football team,” Gamliel wrote. “They are seeking international assistance in order to avoid returning to Iran, a country where there is a real threat to their freedom and even to their lives.”
The Israeli minister’s intervention comes amid the ongoing war between Israel, the United States and Iran, which has heightened tensions surrounding Iranian citizens abroad and intensified scrutiny of actions perceived as defiance of the Iranian regime.
The Iranian team’s tournament campaign ended after a 2–0 loss to the Philippines, leaving the players facing the prospect of returning to Iran.
Controversy erupted earlier in the competition when members of the team refused to sing the Iranian national anthem, a gesture widely interpreted as a silent protest against the regime.
According to Gamliel, the players themselves have expressed fear about returning home.
“The players have expressed profound fear of persecution, oppression, and personal harm should they be forced to return to their homeland,” she wrote.
In the letter, Gamliel called on Australia to provide protection for the athletes, arguing that the situation represents a clear human rights issue.
“In light of Australia’s longstanding commitment to the protection of human rights and individual liberty, I respectfully ask that you give favorable consideration to granting political asylum to these players,” she wrote. “This would allow them the possibility of a safe future, free from threats and enforced silence.”
A letter from Israeli Minister Gila Gamliel urging Australia to grant asylum to female Iranian soccer players. (social media)
Online, a video circulated showing members of the Iranian team reportedly signaling for help, while attempts by outside parties to contact them have reportedly failed.
Reports have also suggested that regime-connected officials may be embedded within the delegation, limiting the players’ movements and communications.
In Australia, thousands of people have signed a petition calling on the government to protect the players.
“These concerns are immediate and serious,” the petition states. “In their opening match, members of the team reportedly remained silent during the Iranian national anthem.”
The petition also raised concerns that the players could face retaliation once they return to Iran.
Gamliel described the athletes as courageous women seeking basic freedoms.
“These are courageous women who seek only the most basic right to live without fear,” she wrote. “Offering them assistance at this difficult moment would send an important message of international solidarity and a strong commitment to the values of freedom and humanity.”
The Israeli minister urged Australian authorities to act quickly, calling the matter both urgent and sensitive.
“I would greatly appreciate your serious and prompt attention to this sensitive and urgent matter,” she wrote.
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