GOLD COAST: The Iranian women’s soccer team left Australia without seven squad members after tearful protests of their departure outside Sydney Airport and frantic final efforts inside the terminal by Australian officials, who sought to ensure the women understood they were being offered asylum. As the team’s flight time drew nearer and they passed through security late on Tuesday, each woman was taken aside to meet alone with officials who explained through interpreters that they could choose not to return to Iran.

Iran’s women’s football team has been at the centre of dramatic scenes following their Asian Cup exit on the Gold Coast

There are urgent calls for Australia to take action before the team return to Iran but with no word from the players themselves the situation is fraught and uncertain