What started as a football tournament has turned into a major diplomatic crisis. Following Iran's exit from the Women’s Asian Cup after a loss to the Philippines, five key players fled the team’s hotel on the Gold Coast to seek permanent protection from the Australian government.
After the team's final match on Sunday, the five players moved to a "safe house" to avoid being forced onto a flight back to Tehran.
Witnesses at the team’s hotel reported seeing players and activists in deep discussion, leaving the head coach and other officials visibly shaken.
The players believe their lives are in danger because they showed support for anti-government sentiments by staying silent during the national anthem.
Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the stadium chanting “save our girls,” while relatives of the players have thanked those helping them apply for asylum.
