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Labeled a traitor - Iranian women's soccer players thank Australia for support

Two Iranian women's soccer players were granted asylum in Australia. In their first public statement, they thanked the country: "We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Australian government."

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"In particular, we thank Home Secretary Tony Burke for giving us humanitarian protection and a safe haven in this beautiful country," the players said in a statement, according to Reuters.

In March, the players chose not to sing the national anthem at the Asian Championships in Australia. The players were then branded as “traitors” on Iranian state television.

Several activist groups and politicians, including US President Donald Trump, urged Australia to offer the players asylum. Six players and one manager accepted - five of the seven have since changed their minds.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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