TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – Several members of Iran’s national women’s soccer team were greeted with a welcoming ceremony when they returned to the Islamic Republic after applying for asylum in Australia.
Midfielder Fatemeh Shaban said: “First of all, we are very happy to be in Iran, because it is our homeland.”
People in the crowd waved flags, and some players held bouquets of flowers and signed things that looked like mini soccer balls. According to Iranian media reports, the team I’m back on Wednesday.
“I didn’t expect so many people to come and welcome me. I’m happy to be a daughter of Iran,” Shaban said in translated comments.
AP Audio: Iranian women’s soccer team welcomed at ‘welcome ceremony’ in Tehran
Associated Press correspondent Haya Panjwani reports on the reaction after Iran announced that all but two members of the Iranian women’s soccer team had returned to Iran.
Two Iranian female athletes, Fatemeh Pasandide and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, have chosen to remain in Australia. Training at Brisbane Roar Club.
Some first sought asylum after their team was eliminated. Women’s Asian Cup Then he changed his mind and said he was going back to Iran.
The Iranian team arrived in Australia just before the tournament. iran war The team initially attracted global attention after some players remained silent during the Iranian national anthem before the first match of the Asian Cup. of silence Some commentators cast it as an act of resistance or protest, others as a show of mourning.
The players did not publicly state their views or explain their actions, instead singing the national anthem before the next two games.
Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said last week that Iran “welcomes children with open arms and the government guarantees their safety,” dismissing suggestions that the women would be in danger if they returned home.
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