A fifth member of Iran's women's soccer team who had sought asylum in Australia has decided to return home, according to Australian media reports. Australia had previously granted humanitarian visas to six players and one support staff member after they expressed fears of possible persecution for not singing the national anthem during a Women's Asian Cup match.

In recent days, most of those who initially accepted the offer have reversed their decisions. Three members withdrew on Sunday, and another had already chosen to return last week, leaving only two delegation members in Australia. Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite described the matter as 'a very complex situation' and said the government respects the choices made.

The Iranian Football Association said those returning would rejoin the team in Malaysia before traveling back to Tehran. The team's tournament coincided with air strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, and the players were eliminated from the competition last week.