Iranian Embassy confirms remaining women’s football squad members arrive in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR - The Iranian Embassy in Malaysia has confirmed that the remaining members of the Islamic Republic women’s football squad who participated in the Asian Cup campaign in Australia arrived in Malaysia on Wednesday morning.

Footage of the squad’s arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport circulated on social media earlier in the day.

According to the Embassy, the players are expected to return to Iran, subject to flight availability and the reopening of Iran's airspace.

"They want to return home,” the Embassy told Bernama when contacted.

The development follows reports that seven other members of the team have sought asylum in Australia, citing fears of persecution upon returning to Iran after refusing to sing the national anthem before their opening match of the tournament on March 3.

According to reports quoting Australia’s Immigration Minister Tony Burke, the players were moved to a safe location by Australian police.

Burke was also reported as saying that the remaining members of the squad had been informed they were welcome to remain in Australia.

The players had initially been scheduled to return home after the tournament, but supporters had raised concerns over their safety following the team’s decision not to sing the national anthem ahead of their match against South Korea.

The move drew criticism from some commentators in Iran, with one conservative commentator reportedly accusing the team of being "wartime traitors” and calling for harsh punishment.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmaeil Baghaei, on Tuesday urged the players to return home.

"To Iran’s women’s football team: don’t worry - Iran awaits you with open arms,” he wrote on X.

Separate reports said the players later sang and saluted the national anthem during their remaining two matches in the tournament.

When asked about the condition and well-being of the players currently in Malaysia, the Embassy said: "They are very good, very well.”

According to the Embassy of Malaysia in Tehran, Iranian passport holders who are travelling to Malaysia on their national passports do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for a stay not exceeding 14 days.

"Those who wish to enter Malaysia for other purposes or for a stay longer than 14 days are required to obtain a visa to enter Malaysia,” it said on its website. - BERNAMA