Three members of Iran's women's soccer delegation who had initially sought asylum in Australia have decided to withdraw their requests and return home. Their decision reduces the number of team members still intending to remain in Australia to three, after seven had originally indicated they would seek to stay.

The situation drew attention after several players remained silent during Iran's national anthem before their opening match of the Asian Cup on March 2, prompting backlash in Iran where some commentators labeled them 'war traitors.' Australia had granted humanitarian visas to the players, offering them the option to remain.

Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government ensured the women were presented with genuine choices but acknowledged it could not remove the broader pressures influencing their decisions. Iran's sports ministry confirmed the three players were traveling to Kuala Lumpur to reunite with their team, with Iranian media reporting they were returning to their families after resisting what was described as psychological pressure and outside influence.

The asylum issue had also drawn international political attention, with United States President Donald Trump urging Australia to grant protection to any team member who requested it and criticizing the country before the visas were approved.