Canberra, 15 March (H.S.): In a stunning turn, three members of Iran's women's football team have reversed their decision to seek refuge in Australia, opting instead to return to their homeland despite approved refugee visas.Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the development on Sunday local time.

According to a CBS News report, Burke stated that after the trio's departure, only three of the original seven team members remain in Australia. Overnight, three members of the Iranian women's football team decided to return to Iran with the rest of the squad, Burke said in a statement.

The Iranian team had arrived in Australia last month for the Women's Asian Cup. Tensions escalated when war erupted in the Middle East on February 28. Ahead of their March 2 clash against South Korea, the players refused to sing their national anthem—a bold act of solidarity with anti-regime protests raging in Iran.

Iranian state media and officials branded the athletes wartime traitors, a grave charge carrying the potential for a death sentence under Iranian law. Amid mounting safety fears, Australia granted humanitarian visas to several players. Initially, seven individuals—six athletes and one staff member—accepted asylum.

Even U.S. President Donald Trump intervened, urging Australia to shelter them. Iran's Football Federation has accused Australia of abducting the players and coercing them into seeking refuge.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar