5th Iranian Women’s Soccer Player Leaves Australia After Dropping Asylum Claim

Minister Tony Burke said the government had done everything to make sure Iranian players were provided with the chance for a safe future in Australia.

Iranian captain Zahra Ghanbari (C) seen following the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A match between Iran and the Philippines on the Gold Coast, Australia, on March 8, 2026. AAP Image/Dave Hunt

The captain of Iran’s women’s national soccer team has departed Australia after withdrawing her request for asylum, becoming the fifth member of the squad to reverse an earlier decision to remain in the country.

Zahra Ghanbari had initially accepted an offer to stay in Australia after the team traveled to the country to compete in the Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup. However, she later chose to leave alongside the rest of the delegation.