Iran’s women’s national team receives a celebratory welcome after

The Iranian women’s national football team was greeted with celebrations upon their return to Tehran, after some players sought asylum in Australia .

A crowd awaited the athletes’ arrival, waving Iranian flags, while the players held bouquets of flowers and signed autographs on small soccer balls. The controversy stemmed from some athletes remaining silent during the national anthem before the first Asian Cup match on February 28th.

First of all, we are very happy to be in Iran, because Iran is our homeland. I didn’t expect so many people to come and welcome us, and I’m happy to be a daughter of Iran,” says midfielder Fatemeh Shaban.

On their return to Tehran, the Iranian delegation undertook a long journey, passing through Malaysia, Oman, and Istanbul, before entering the country via the land border crossing between Turkey and Iran. 

Furthermore, two Iranian players, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, chose to remain in Australia and have been training with the Brisbane Roar club. Other athletes changed their minds after initially requesting asylum and stated that they would return to their country. It should be recalled that Iran has been in conflict with the United States and Israel since February 28, when the two countries launched a joint attack against several locations in the country.