An Iranian women’s football team member who sought sanctuary in Australia has changed her mind after speaking with teammates, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says, according to AFP.
Seven members of Iran’s visiting women’s football team had claimed asylum in Australia after they were branded “traitors” at home over a pre-match protest.
Burke said in parliament on Wednesday that he had since been advised one of the group “had spoken to some of the team mates that left and changed their mind”.
Burke said each player was separated from the squad at Sydney Airport and given time to mull the offer in private.
Australian officials had “made sure this was her decision”, he said, referring to the Iranian team member who had changed her mind.
