Australia’s protected safe house for Iranian female athletes was abruptly compromised after one of the women decided not to seek refuge and contacted the Iranian Embassy, disclosing its secret location.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the incident during Question Time on Wednesday.
Burke said the breach occurred ‘shortly after 10am’, when one of two women planning to stay in Australia abruptly changed her mind following conversations with teammates who had already left.
‘In Australia, people are able to change their mind, people are allowed to travel,’ Burke said.
‘We respect the context in which she has made that decision.’
However, he revealed the woman acted on advice from her teammates and coach.
‘Unfortunately, in making that decision, she was advised by her teammates and coach to contact the Iranian Embassy and be collected,’ Burke said.
Officials immediately questioned the woman to ensure the choice was genuinely hers, Burke said, but by then the damage was done.
Tony Burke (pictured) revealed that the safe house for Iranian players was compromised
‘As a result of that, it meant that the Iranian Embassy now knew the location of where everybody was.’
Burke said he moved instantly to secure the remaining women.
‘I immediately gave the instruction for people to be moved, and that’s been dealt with immediately.’
‘For every member of this delegation, they have been shown a respect by Australia that would be unfamiliar to them in Iran.’
On Wednesday Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Ismail Baghaei issued an extraordinary message on X, urging the women to come back and accusing Australia of exploiting them.
‘To the dear ladies of our homeland on the women’s football team, I say: Iran awaits you with open arms. Do not worry. Return home,’ Baghaei wrote.
‘They killed 170 of our innocent elementary school girls in a two-stage attack with Tomahawk missiles in the city of Minab, and now they are trying to take our female athletes hostage under the guise of ‘rescuing’ them.
‘What hypocrisy and audacity!!’
Tony Burke (centre) confirmed that the other women had been moved to a new location
The remainder of the Iranian squad who did not seek asylum departed Sydney late Tuesday night.
Burke said officials met privately with each team member to ensure they could make their own decision, free from Iranian influence.
Iranian refugee advocate Ara Rasuli, who has assisted the group, said Canberra worked hard to protect those wishing to stay.
‘They are in a lot of danger,’ Ms Rasuli warned.
‘There are all sorts of threats, including detention of families and seizure of assets. That’s why most of the girls have chosen to return home, the risks are a major concern.’
