Iranian media: women's national football captain Zahra Ghanbari withdraws asylum application in Australia and returns to Iran

According to the state-controlled Irna news agency, Ghanbari is now travelling back via Malaysia, joining three other players and a manager whose departure was previously confirmed by Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

A total of six players and one manager were granted asylum after Iran's final group match at the Asian Championships. Only two players are now reported to remain in Australia.

In early March, players on the Iranian women's national team chose not to sing the national anthem during a match at the Asian Championships in Australia.

It could be interpreted as a silent protest against the Iranian regime, which was attacked by the US and Israel in late February. The players were then branded “traitors” on Iranian state television. In the following match, the players saluted during the national anthem.