US President Donald Trump said on Monday, March 9, that Australia is making a “terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran.” He claimed that these women are “most likely be killed.”
"Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM. The US will take them if you won’t. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP," the US President posted on X on Monday.
Trump's statement came as Australia is facing mounting pressure to offer asylum to the Iranian women's football team, after they refused to sing the national anthem ahead of an Asian Cup tournament match in Australia on 2 March.
The gesture was widely seen as an act of defiance against the Islamic republic, with a presenter on Iranian state television branding the side "wartime traitors"
The Iranians' campaign in the Australian-hosted Asian Cup tournament started just as the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, killing the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The team was eliminated on Sunday after losing 2-0 to the Philippines.
Global players' union FIFPRO said earlier on Monday there were serious concerns for the welfare of the team, as they prepared to return home after being labelled "wartime traitors" for refusing to sing their national anthem before a game.
The players' decision to stand in silence during Iran's anthem before their first match against South Korea was labelled by a commentator on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting as the "pinnacle of dishonour".
