President Trump issues statement as Iran women’s football team 'fear death penalty'

President Donald Trump has spoken out after fears emerged that members of Iran’s women’s football team could face the death penalty if they return home.

The team had traveled to Australia to compete in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, but concern grew after reports suggested some players could face persecution for refusing to sing their country's national anthem before their opening match.

The 79-year-old president took to social media to warn that sending the players back could have deadly consequences.

"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," he penned.

"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," he added.

Five Players Granted Humanitarian Visas

Soon after the situation gained international attention, five members of the Iranian squad were granted humanitarian visas to remain in Australia.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the government had stepped in to assist the players after they made it clear they wanted help.

“Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They are safe here and they should feel at home here," he said, per Sky News. "Once it was made clear these women wanted assistance, the Australian federal police moved them to a safe location where they remain."

The visas offer a pathway to permanent residency, though it is not yet clear if more players will request similar assistance, The Guardian reported.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the visas were given after discussions between officials and members of the team.

"They are welcome to stay in Australia," Burke told reporters. "They are safe here, and they should feel at home here...I say to the other members of the team: the same opportunity is there. Australia has taken the Iranian women’s soccer team into our hearts.

"These women are tremendously popular in Australia, but we realise they are in a terribly difficult situation with the decisions that they’re making. But the opportunity will continue to be there to speak to Australian officials if they wish to," he added.

Trump Later Praises Australia’s Response

Trump later returned to social media to praise Albanese after learning that five of the players had already been granted visas.

"He's on it! Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way," he wrote. "Some, however, feel they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don't return."

Trump added: "In any event, the Prime Minister is doing a very good job having to do with this rather delicate situation. God bless Australia!"

The Iranian women’s national team had been competing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia but finished bottom of Group A after defeats to South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines.

The five players granted visas have been identified as Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi.

Albanese said the Australian government is "willing to provide assistance to other women in the team, noting that this is a very delicate situation, and it is up to them".

"But we say to them, if you want our help, help is here, and we will provide that," he added.

Featured image credit: Albert Perez / Getty