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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jim van Wijk

Australia grants asylum to five Iran women players after Asian Cup controversy

Iran players pose for a team photo ahead of the Women’s Asian Cup match against the Philippines (Dave Hunt/AP) - (AP)

Australia has granted asylum to five members of Iran’s women’s football team, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has confirmed.

United States president Donald Trump had urged Australia to act, with fears the team could face persecution if they returned to Iran after they did not sing the national anthem before their first match at the Asian Cup in Gold Coast.

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