Protesters briefly blocked the Iran women’s football team from leaving their hotel and travelling to the airport on their way back home from Australia after the Asian Cup.

The activists sat in front of the team’s bus and chanted “save our girls” as the vehicle attempted to make its exit. Five members of the Iran squad have been granted humanitarian visas in Australia. The activists tried to persuade the other players to stay in Australia.

Immigration Minister Tony Burke said the five women have been moved to a “safe location” by Australian police. “They want to be clear they are not political activists,” he said. “They are athletes who want to be safe.” Burke added that the other members of the squad had been told they were welcome to stay in the country.

Subscribe to Guardian Football ► https://www.youtube.com/@guardianfootball?sub_confirmation=1

The Guardian publishes independent journalism, made possible by supporters. Contribute to The Guardian today ► https://support.theguardian.com/

Guardian Football Weekly:
https://www.tiktok.com/@guardian_footballweekly https://www.instagram.com/guardian_footballweekly/

Website ► https://www.theguardian.com
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/theguardian
Bluesky ► https://bsky.app/profile/sport.theguardian.com
Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/guardian_sport/

The Guardian on YouTube:
The Guardian ► https://www.youtube.com/@theguardian
Football Weekly podcast ► https://www.youtube.com/@footballweeklypodcast
Guardian News ► https://www.youtube.com/@guardiannews
Guardian Australia ► https://www.youtube.com/@guardianaustralia
Guardian Sport ► https://www.youtube.com/@guardiansport

#iran #asiancup #football #iranfootball