The mass defection of the Iran women's national soccer team, which seemed to have been settled by the Australian government's sudden asylum approval, has entered a new phase. Among the players who had applied for asylum, 21-year-old rising star Mohaddeseh Zolfi unexpectedly withdrew her application and expressed her intention to return to Iran.
The Iran women's national soccer team left Australia after finishing the tournament on the 10th, but seven players and staff had decided to remain in Australia on humanitarian visas. This included six players and one support staff member, and even U.S. President Donald Trump had pressured the Australian government to guarantee their safety.
But Iran's state-run Tasnim News Agency reported urgently on the 11th (Korea time) that one of the asylum applicants, Mohaddeseh Zolfi, officially said she had changed her mind and wanted to return to Iran.
Zolfi, 21 this year, is one of the youngest prospects on this squad. She played in all three group matches of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup (started twice, substituted once), starring as a right winger while wearing number 15. But the life of an "asylee" hidden behind her brilliant performance appeared to be too heavy for a 21-year-old to bear.
Tony Burke, Australia's home affairs Minister, said at a news conference that he confirmed Zolfi had reconsidered her decision and, after intensive consultation with teammates, directly informed the Iranian embassy of her intention to return.
Australian authorities focused on confirming whether Zolfi's decision was a voluntary choice rather than the result of external pressure or coercion. Minister Burke said, "Australia is a country where people can freely change their minds. We respect her decision," and added that they "also made her fully aware of the potential risks she would face if she returned to Iran and conducted an interview."
After confirming Zolfi's firm intent, the Australian government is reportedly carrying out administrative procedures for her safe return. The Iranian embassy has also welcomed Zolfi's return and said it is supporting the necessary measures.
There are many interpretations of Zolfi's sudden change of heart. As President Trump mentioned earlier, the safety of family members left in Iran is likely to have been a decisive reason. With Iran's state broadcaster even mentioning "the highest death penalty" and increasing pressure, analysts say she may have feared that staying in Australia alone could cause unbearable suffering for her family.
On the other hand, inside Iran there are signs they will massively promote Zolfi's decision as a "return of a true patriot." But the international community and human rights groups worry that Zolfi will face surveillance and punishment by the authorities the moment she sets foot in Iran.
The five players and one staff member left behind by Zolfi were thrown into deeper confusion. Still, Australia appears determined to prioritize humanitarian values in handling this asylum case. There are concerns about whether her choice will be a courageous return or the beginning of a tragic outcome.<
[Photo] Captures from social media and Tasnim News Agency.
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