What was meant to be a sports tournament has turned into a life-changing choice for the Iran women's national team.
With seven members now seeking asylum, the group is divided between those staying in Australia for safety and those returning to a country currently gripped by military conflict and political tension.
The Australian government is providing a "safe haven" for the athletes who believe returning to Tehran would lead to imprisonment or physical danger.
These protests are happening at a very sensitive time, as Iran faces escalating military tension following the reported death of its Supreme Leader.
The players had to choose between returning to their families and facing punishment, or staying in a foreign land and losing their careers at home.
This incident has become a major talking point for international human rights groups, highlighting the risks athletes take when they use their platform for political protest.
