Donald Trump warns Australia against sending the Iranian women’s soccer team home, then hints at a bold solution for their safety

Donald Trump’s opinions on sports events are making headlines lately. Following his sharp comments on Iran’s World Cup appearance, the president has offered support to the Iranian women’s football team, who are currently in Australia. Trump has asked the Australian government to give asylum to the football players instead of sending them back to their home country.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Donald Trump has made this appeal to Australia and doesn’t want them to return to Iran, as they are labeled as traitors there. He declared that Australia sending them back would be a ‘huge humanitarian mistake’ because the athletes could face serious consequences in their country. The president also hinted that if Australia didn’t take them in, then America would take matters into its own hands.

Donald Trump, said on Truth Social, “Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed. Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM. The U.S. will take them if you won’t. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP.” These words suggest his concern for the women’s squad.

Iranian state media has labeled the women’s team traitors over the national anthem controversy at the Asian Cup

Trump was quick to show support as the situation surrounding the Iranian women’s team is apparently quite grave, as the Iranian media has declared them traitors. This happened when the women’s squad was seemingly coerced by the Iranian authorities not to sing the anthem at the ongoing Asian Cup in Australia, though the team did sing the anthem in the second game of the tournament.

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With tensions high, the Iranian state media presenter Muhammad Reza Shahbazi even said that players should be severely punished for this act of dishonor and a lack of patriotism. As the country is apparently considering this act treacherous amidst the ongoing war between America and Iran, this suggests players can indeed face consequences if they make their way back to Iran.

On paper, it sounds risky, but there are no confirmed reports of threats against the women’s soccer team in their home country. As of yet, five of the players have received asylum from the Australian Home Department, with others still awaiting a decision. Regardless, Trump’s appeal puts a layer of safety for the athletes.