Iran women's soccer team returns home after some players sought asylum, Iranian media reports - AP News

AP News
March 18, 2026
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Iran women's soccer team returns home after some players sought asylum abroad.

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Iran's women's soccer team has returned home after some players sought asylum during international travel, according to Iranian media reports. The incident reflects ongoing tensions between Iranian athletes and the government, particularly regarding restrictions on women in sports and broader freedoms. Athletes seeking asylum abroad highlights the pressure faced by Iranian women competitors, who operate under strict state controls and limited opportunities compared to their international counterparts. The team's return suggests the players who remained ultimately decided against pursuing asylum claims, though details on individual fates remain unclear from Iranian state reporting.

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