Three of the five players from the Iranian women's soccer team, who had attempted to seek asylum earlier this week while the team was in Australia, have decided to return home, reported The Australian newspaper.
The Iranian team was in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup when the war between Iran, Israel and the United States began.
Seven team members of Iran's visiting football delegation competing in the Women's Asian Cup had sought sanctuary in Australia after they were branded "traitors" at home for refusing to sing the national anthem.
Five players left the team and were given humanitarian visas in Australia. However, only three of them will now remain in Australia, after another member of the group had second thoughts earlier in the week.
Australia's Home Affairs department gave the three players requesting a return home multiple chances to reconsider before their request was honoured.
"While the Australian government can ensure that opportunities are provided and communicated, we cannot remove the context in which the players are making these incredibly difficult decisions," Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said, according to the Australian.
"The Australian government has done everything we could to make sure these women were provided with the chance for a safe future in Australia."
Iran's women's team started playing in the Women's Asian Cup just after the war in their home country started. The team lost all three games it played and was eliminated from the event.
Iranian state broadcaster IRB said Saturday that three team members — two players and one member of the technical staff — had given up their asylum application and were currently heading to Malaysia.
