Several members of Iran’s national women’s football team have refused to board a flight home, citing threats of execution following their protest at the Asian Cup in Australia.

The 13-player squad reportedly faced intimidation after refusing to sing the Iranian national anthem during their opening match, an act widely seen as a protest against the regime. The incident occurred two days after US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.

On Monday night, five players—including team captain Zahra Ghanbarim—escaped from their handlers and sought asylum. Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, confirmed they had been granted humanitarian visas and relocated to a secure location. Two more players requested refuge shortly before their scheduled flight from Sydney to Iran via Kuala Lumpur.

Among those refusing to board was winger Golnoosh Khosravi, 24, who was met at the gate by activists protesting the team’s return. Another player, Mohadeseh Zolfi, also obtained asylum. Some teammates who boarded the plane were reportedly seen in tears.

The team, nicknamed Iran’s “Lionesses,” had been branded “wartime traitors” by Iranian state media after their anthem protest on March 1, which coincided with reports of the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Relatives of several players remaining in Iran were reportedly threatened or detained.

Human rights groups warn the risks for returning players are severe. Skylar Thompson, deputy director of US-based Human Rights Activists (HRA), said: “They could face interrogation, travel bans, suspension from sport, or worse. Iran has historically pressured families to control dissidents abroad.”

Reports suggest Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may pursue charges such as “cooperation with a hostile state” and “propaganda against the regime” against the athletes.

Former US President Donald Trump initially criticised Australia for allowing the players to return but later acknowledged that the country was offering refuge, noting that five players had already been taken to safety.

Throughout the tournament, Australian media reported that the team was closely monitored by officials believed linked to the IRGC, with restrictions on movement and phone access. Following Iran’s elimination, crowds surrounded the team bus, chanting “Save our girls,” while one player signalled “SOS” through the window.

Activists have called on Australian authorities to prevent the players’ return and hold their handlers accountable, highlighting the ongoing international concern for the athletes’ safety.