Five Iranian Women’s Soccer Players Reportedly Seek Refuge With Police

Five members of the Iranian women’s soccer team reportedly sought refuge with Australian police amid worries over their safety.

The players are in police custody after growing calls to block their departure over concerns of prosecution in their native country, Iran, sources told CNN. They were competing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia as Iran announced a new supreme leader amid a war against Israel and the U.S. Concern for their safety sparked when the players stood silent during the Iranian anthem ahead of a match March 2, a gesture reportedly perceived as a sign of treason by some in Iran, according to CNN.

Sources told CNN the players were compelled to sing their national anthem ahead of the March 5 match as well as their game on March 8. Supporters surrounded their bus after the last game, shouting for cops to “save our girls.” Human rights advocate Hadi Karimi claimed that at least three players were seen making the international hand signal for aid while aboard the bus.

Announcement: Prince Reza Pahlavi’s office has been informed that five players from the Iranian women’s national football team: Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi, have left the team’s training camp and successfully sought… https://t.co/PdBPRlJxjU

— Reza Pahlavi Communications (@PahlaviComms) March 9, 2026

A source close to the team expressed doubt to CNN that the members fully understand what the hand signal represents. Karimi said it was “amazing news” that some of the women were in police custody and expressed hope that other players would join them.

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s ousted shah, appealed to the Australian government to ensure the women’s safety in a March 8 message on X.

The members of the Iranian Women’s National Football Team are under significant pressure and ongoing threat from the Islamic Republic. As a result of their brave act of civil disobedience in refusing to sing the current regime’s national anthem, they face dire consequences should…

— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) March 8, 2026

“The members of the Iranian Women’s National Football Team are under significant pressure and ongoing threat from the Islamic Republic,” he wrote.

His statement continued, “As a result of their brave act of civil disobedience in refusing to sing the current regime’s national anthem, they face dire consequences should they return to Iran. I call on the Australian government to ensure their safety and give them any and all needed support.”

The X account of Pahlavi’s press office followed up with a message March 9 confirming the identities of the five women.

“Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi, have left the team’s training camp and successfully sought refuge in Australia,” they wrote.

“These five courageous athletes, currently in a safe location, have announced that they have joined Iran’s national Lion and Sun Revolution.”

President Donald Trump supported the plight of the women seeking refuge. (RELATED: ‘Call Of Duty’ Creator Claims Activision Pushed To Create Game Featuring Invasion Of Israel By Iran)

“I just spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, of Australia, concerning the Iranian National Women’s Soccer Team. He’s on it!” Trump wrote March 9 on Truth Social.

“Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way. Some, however, feel they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return. In any event, the Prime Minister is doing a very good job having to do with this rather delicate situation. God bless Australia!”

Trump’s previous message the morning of March 9 asserted that it would be a “terrible humanitarian mistake” if Australia allowed the team to go back to Iran and announced that the U.S. would grant the Iranian players asylum if Australia did not.