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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Ben Doherty

How a bid for freedom by Iran’s women footballers unfolded in Australia

Iran Australia Anthony Albanese Donald Trump Football Tony Burke Police Asian Cup Islamic Republic Soccer
Iran’s women refused to sing their national anthem in their first game of the Asian Cup, kickstarting a drama that ended with seven people seeking asylum in Australia.
Iran’s women refused to sing their national anthem in their first game of the Asian Cup, kickstarting a drama that ended with six players and a member of its support staff seeking asylum in Australia. Photograph: Izhar Khan/AFP/Getty Images

Rarely has a first touch carried so much consequence.

As the Philippines’ second goal sailed untouched into the back of the net, sealing their victory, the clock started ticking for their opponents: the Iranian women’s team were now out of the Asian Cup tournament.

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