One Iranian football team member changes mind after Australia grants asylum

Australia’s home affairs minister says a total of seven members of the Iranian women’s team have been granted asylum.

One member of the Iranian women’s football team member who sought sanctuary in Australia has changed her mind after speaking with teammates, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke informed the Australian parliament.

The player, whose identity was being protected, changed her decision on the advice of her teammates, Burke revealed on Wednesday.

Burke told the parliament that he had since been advised one member of the group “had spoken to some of the teammates that left and changed their mind”.

“She had been advised by her teammates and encouraged to contact the Iranian embassy,” he said.

“As a result of that it meant the Iranian embassy now knew the location of where everybody was.”

The remaining players have been moved from a safe house to another location, he said.

Australian officials had “made sure this was her decision”, he said, referring to the Iran team member who had changed her mind.