Iranian Footballers Travel Back via Turkey After Controversy

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Tehran: Members of Iran’s women’s football team are being transported back to their country by road after arriving in eastern Turkey, following a journey that has drawn international attention.

The team landed in the city of Iğdır around midday local time and is now travelling to the Gürbulak Border Crossing to re-enter Iran. Their return comes after they were seen earlier in Istanbul, where they arrived following a long journey from Australia via Malaysia and Oman.

Turkish media reported that after clearing customs and passport control, the players were escorted by police to a hotel before continuing their journey eastward.

The situation gained attention after seven players initially sought asylum in Australia, reportedly following their decision not to sing the national anthem before an Asia Cup match. Five of those players later reversed their decision and chose to return to Iran with the rest of the squad.

Human rights groups have raised concerns that the players may have faced pressure to return, including alleged threats against their families, though no official confirmation has been provided.

Photo Credit: X/@IRIMFA_SPOX