5th member of Iranian women's soccer team gives up asylum in Australia

"We've been working very, very closely with them, but obviously this is a very complex situation. These are deeply personal decisions, and the government respects the decisions of those that have chosen to return. And we continue to offer support to the two that are remaining. They're being given all the support of the Australian government and indeed the diaspora community to remain here and settle in Australia."

"Iran's team arrived in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup last month, before the war in the Middle East began on Feb. 28. Initially, six players and a support staff member from a squad list of 26 players accepted humanitarian visas to stay in Australia before the rest of the Iranian contingent flew from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur on March 10."

"The Iranian authorities have welcomed the women's change of heart as a victory against Australia and U.S. President Donald Trump. The Iranian diaspora in Australia blame pressure from Tehran."

Seven members of Iran's women's soccer team initially accepted humanitarian visas to remain in Australia during the Women's Asian Cup last month. However, five have since departed, with the latest leaving shortly before midnight Sunday, leaving only two players in Australia. The departures occurred amid the Middle East conflict and geopolitical tensions involving the United States. Australian officials characterize the situation as complex, involving deeply personal decisions. Iran's government has portrayed the players' returns as victories against Australia and the U.S., while the Iranian diaspora in Australia attributes the departures to pressure from Tehran. The Australian government continues supporting the two remaining players.

Read at ESPN.com