Manny Ita –
Donald Trump said the United States would be willing to accept members of the Iran women’s national football team if Australia does not grant them asylum, as concerns grow about their safety if they return to Iran.
The comments came after pressure mounted on Australian authorities to offer protection to the players following an incident during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup match held at Gold Coast Stadium on March 8.
During the match against the Philippines women’s national football team, several members of the Iranian team reportedly did not sing the national anthem, drawing attention from authorities in Tehran and raising concerns among observers about possible repercussions once the players return home.
Trump said the United States was prepared to step in if Australia declined to offer the team protection.
“If Australia doesn’t take them, we will,” Trump said, referring to the Iranian players.
The situation has prompted growing calls for safeguards for the athletes, with critics warning that their actions during the match could expose them to scrutiny or punishment from officials in Iran.
Australian officials have faced increasing pressure from rights advocates and observers to consider granting asylum or other forms of protection to the players, citing fears over their safety if they are forced to return to Iran.
The issue has unfolded against the backdrop of heightened tensions involving Iran, which have drawn global attention to the country’s political climate and treatment of perceived dissent.
