Trump says Australia has provided a number of Iranian female footballers

President Donald Trump said Monday that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had told him that five members of Iran’s national women’s soccer team had been «groomed» over fears they could be punished.

Australia SBS ⁠News previously said five players had «broken away» after the team was eliminated from the Asian Cup tournament and were now under the protection of federal police, seeking government help.

“Five of them have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way,” Trump said in a speech. Truth social post after a conversation with Albanians. “However, some believe they must return because they are concerned about the safety of their families, including threats against those relatives if they do not return.”

READ | Trump calls for asylum for Iran’s women’s team after Asian Cup exit

Global players’ union FIFPRO said earlier on Monday there were serious concerns for the team’s welfare as they prepared to return home after being branded «wartime traitors» for refusing to sing their national anthem before a match rfv14.

The players’ decision to remain silent during the Iranian national anthem before their first match against South Korea was labeled the «height of dishonor» by a commentator on the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.

The team then sang the national anthem and saluted before their second match against Australia, sparking fears among human rights activists that the women had been coerced by government minders.

When asked whether Australia would grant the players asylum, Matt Thistlethwaite, the assistant minister for foreign affairs and trade, said the government «could not comment on individual circumstances for privacy reasons».

Published on March 9, 2026