Trump urges Australia to give Iran's Asian Cup players asylum

"Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman's Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed. Don't do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give asylum. The U.S. will take them if you won't."

"There have been fears the team could face persecution if they returned to Iran after they did not sing the national anthem before their first match at the Asian Cup in Gold Coast. Reports circulated on Monday that Australian Federal Police had assisted five members of the squad in leaving the team base and entering a safe house."

"Football's world governing body FIFA said on Monday it was in close contact with the Australian authorities concerning the team, saying their safety and security was FIFA's priority. The players did sing the national anthem and salute during their last two matches, but their decision not to sing it prior to the first game drew criticism from supporters of the Iranian regime."

Iran's women's soccer team faces potential persecution after not singing the national anthem before their first match at the Asian Cup in Australia. Following their group stage exit, reports indicate Australian Federal Police assisted five squad members into a safe house. President Trump publicly urged Australian Prime Minister to grant the entire team asylum, warning they face likely death if returned to Iran, and offered U.S. asylum as alternative. FIFA stated it maintains close contact with Australian authorities regarding player safety. The players sang the anthem during subsequent matches, but their initial refusal drew criticism from Iranian regime supporters. FIFPRO union expressed concern about ensuring player protection.

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