The captain of Iran's women's national soccer team withdrew her asylum application in Australia on Sunday night, becoming the fifth member of the delegation to reverse her decision. Zahra Ghanbari departed Australia late Sunday to rejoin the rest of the squad in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, according to Iranian state media and Australian reports.

Seven members of the team, six players and one support staffer, initially sought asylum last week after Iran's elimination from the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup hosted in Australia. Their fears stemmed from not singing the national anthem during the opening match, an act Iranian state media labeled as treason amid heightened tensions following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke fast-tracked humanitarian visas for the group, providing them protection and settlement support.

Withdrawals began shortly after. One member left first, followed by three more over the weekend—Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Sarbali, and Zahra Soltan Meshkinkar—before Ghanbari's decision. This leaves just two individuals still pursuing asylum in Australia, whose identities have not been disclosed for safety reasons.

Iranian state outlets celebrated the returns as acts of patriotism. Iran's IRNA news agency described Ghanbari's move as 'returning to the embrace of the homeland,' while Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, claimed the players resisted 'psychological warfare' and 'seductive offers.' The Iranian Football Association stated the team would soon head to Tehran from Malaysia, though regional conflict currently prevents direct return.

Human rights activists expressed concern over possible coercion. Exiled Iranian futsal player Shiva Amini and journalist Masih Alinejad suggested relentless pressure from Iran's Football Federation and threats to families made staying untenable. Reports also mentioned a compromised safehouse in Australia.

Australian officials emphasized respect for personal choices. Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Matt Thistlethwaite called it a 'complex situation' but confirmed no evidence that a remaining team member influenced the decisions. Burke reiterated that the government offered every opportunity for a safe future Down Under.

AFC General Secretary Windsor John, who met the team, said they appeared in high spirits with no expressed safety fears, awaiting travel arrangements from Malaysia. The episode drew international attention, including early praise from President Donald Trump for Australia's handling.