An urgent fundraiser for the brave Iranian women footballers who escaped their minders during the Asian Cup to claim asylum in Australia has surged past $50,000 in less than 48 hours.
It comes as troubling new details emerge about the pressure they faced from regime-linked handlers while in Australia.
Six members of Iran’s women’s national team have now accepted humanitarian visas after refusing to sing the national anthem during the tournament and later fleeing their Gold Coast hotel amid fears for their safety.
But a spokesperson for community organization AusIran told news.com.au the drama surrounding their escape is only the beginning of what could be a long and uncertain road.
Despite the relief of finding safety in Australia, the players remain deeply worried about relatives back home.
The spokesperson confirmed one of the players sent a message to someone from their organisation saying: “They have all of our families hostage in Iran.”
According to the group, Iranian athletes travelling overseas are sometimes forced to sign documents placing their family assets under government control.
“They usually force them to sign forms and basically give control of their assets, businesses, everything to the government,” the spokesperson said.
“Basically, their lives become hostages for the regime while they are overseas.”
The spokesperson said the players are terrified that relatives could face punishment as a result of their decision to stay in Australia.
“That’s their main worry right now.”
The efforts to assist the six who remained in Australia are still in their early stages; however, the spokesperson praised the widespread and overwhelming response.
“The community mobilised so quickly and so fast,” the spokesperson said.
“It’s not even 48 hours since the fundraiser went up, and it’s already over $50,000. People just wanted a way to help.”
The GoFundMe campaign aims to raise $75,000 to assist the athletes as they rebuild their lives in Australia, covering accommodation, legal support and basic settlement costs.
According to the organizer, the response has gone far beyond financial support.
“We’ve had lawyers, counsellors, people working in health and wellbeing reach out,” they said.
“Even football clubs contacted us offering help and support to the girls. It’s beautiful to watch how everyone is so concerned about their wellbeing.”
Allegations players were closely monitored
Fresh claims have also emerged about the behaviour of team officials and minders linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during the team’s stay.
According to the spokesperson, the players were heavily monitored and restricted in their movements.
“They were followed everywhere,” they said.
“They didn’t even have a chance to go to the public bathroom in the hotel lobby alone.
“They were banned from eating at the cafe or restaurant and had to stay in their rooms and order room service.”
‘Very delicate situation’
The players are now under Australian government protection and have been moved to a secure location, but contact with them is limited.
“We’re trying to give them some space,” the spokesperson said.
“The situation is still very delicate. They’re overwhelmed.”
They said the athletes are “very happy” about the support being offered by Australians but face a long process rebuilding their lives.
“They are very young and they have a long journey ahead of them,” the spokesperson said.
“They’re starting their lives again here.”
Fears for teammates returning to Iran
The spokesperson also expressed deep concern for players who chose to return to Iran with the rest of the team.
“They could punish them severely, or they could stage a celebration for them — it could go either way,” the spokesperson said.
“But we know they will be interrogated at least for a while.”
The players who refused to sing the national anthem during the tournament were labeled “traitors” by figures linked to Iranian state media.
“This is very dangerous and very serious,”the spokesperson said.
“It’s something that could have an execution order after it.”
‘Very proud of Australia’
Despite the fears, the spokesperson praised the Australian government and police for allowing team members to speak privately about asylum options, with players getting the chance to talk to Australian authorities about their options “without anyone looking over their shoulders”.
“That opportunity was fantastic.”
The head of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, claimed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ordered police to stop the Iranian players from leaving the country.
“After the game, unfortunately, the Australian police came and intervened, removing one or two of the players from the hotel, according to the news we have,” he said, according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency on Wednesday.
The athletes, the AusIran spokesperson said, have already developed a deep appreciation for their new home.
“They love Australia now,” they said.
“They are very proud of this country.”
The fundraiser can be found here.
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