Upon returning to Iran, members of the national women’s soccer team were received with a warm welcome ceremony in their homeland, following the asylum-seeking incidents of several players in Australia. Expressing joy to be back in Iran, midfielder Fatemeh Shaban emphasized the significance of their homeland. The crowd in Tehran greeted the team with waving flags, while players held flowers and signed mini-soccer balls. The event was unexpected for Shaban, who expressed her happiness to represent Iran.

In related developments, two players, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, opted to stay in Australia and have since joined the Brisbane Roar club for training. Other team members who initially sought asylum during the Women’s Asian Cup later decided to return to Iran. The team had traveled to Australia for the tournament just before the outbreak of the Iran war on Feb. 28.

During the Asian Cup, the team garnered attention when some players chose to remain silent during Iran’s national anthem in what was interpreted as either a form of resistance or mourning. The players resumed singing the anthem in subsequent matches without elaborating on their initial actions. Iranian first Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref dismissed concerns about the players’ safety upon returning, affirming that the government ensures their security and welcomes them back with open arms.