Australian activist Drew Pavlou says he helped draw global attention to the plight of the Iran women’s national football team after Donald Trump shared one of his social media posts about the players’ situation in Australia.
“I was extraordinarily delighted and shocked to see that the president shared my post and he called up Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at 2 am,” Pavlou told Sky News host Sharri Markson.
“He requested that the Australian government protect these players, and look, I’m just absolutely delighted.”
The Iranian team had travelled to Australia for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup but faced uncertainty about returning home after refusing to sing Iran’s national anthem in their opening match, shortly after US and Israeli airstrikes hit Iran.
The silent protest sparked anger in state media, where a presenter said: “traitors during wartime should be dealt with more severely.”
As the team exited the tournament following a 2–0 loss to the Philippines women’s national football team, some players began exploring options to remain in Australia, fearing persecution if they returned to Iran.
The Australian government later offered temporary humanitarian visas, with five players, captain Zahra Ghanbari, Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh and Mona Hamoudi, choosing to stay.
Trump had earlier criticised Australia on social media, warning the players could face danger if sent back to Iran and urging the government to grant asylum.
He later spoke with Albanese by phone, after which he said the prime minister was “doing a very good job… with this rather delicate situation.”
Australian officials confirmed assistance remains available to other members of the team who may seek to remain in the country.
