Trending Now - Megan Rapinoe Commends Iranian Women's Soccer for Courage
WHO:
Graham Thom, advocacy coordinator for the Refugee Council of Australia, stated, "We ended up with an outcome that is certainly far from ideal."
Megan Rapinoe, retired United States soccer player
Iranian women's soccer team
Sardar Pashaei, world champion Iranian wrestler
Graham Thom, advocacy coordinator for the Refugee Council of Australia
Piers Morgan, media personality
WHAT:
Two players who stayed in Australia were seen training with one of the country’s premier clubs last week.
Initially, seven of the Iranian women’s soccer players accepted asylum but later declined the opportunity at the last minute.
The Iranian women's soccer team staged a silent protest by refusing to sing their national anthem during the Women's Asian Cup.
Players were labeled "wartime traitors" by an Iranian broadcaster for their actions.
At least two players stayed in Australia while the rest of the team returned to Iran.
Seven Iranian women’s soccer players initially accepted asylum but later declined the opportunity.
Rapinoe praised the "bravery and courage" of the Iranian women’s soccer team.
Rapinoe expressed concern for the safety of the players and their families in Iran.
WHERE:
Australia, specifically during the Women's Asian Cup
Robina, Australia, where the match between Iran and the Philippines took place
WHEN:
The Women's Asian Cup occurred in March 2026.
The match between Iran and the Philippines took place on March 8th, 2026.
Rapinoe made her comments on the "A Touch More" podcast, which aired after the events unfolded.
WHY:
Piers Morgan criticized Megan Rapinoe for her silence during the unfolding events, labeling it as "hypocritical."
The Iranian women's soccer team protested against the Iranian regime amid a joint military campaign by the U.S. and Israel.
Rapinoe supported the players' decisions to seek asylum due to the oppressive regime in Iran.
HOW:
The Australian government faced criticism for not working fast enough to secure asylum for the players.
Australian officials attempted to secure asylum for the players.
Players were seen training with one of the country’s premier clubs after the tournament.
(UPDATED March 24, 2026 01:44 UTC)
In a recent statement, Graham Thom, the advocacy coordinator for the Refugee Council of Australia, expressed disappointment with the outcome of the situation involving Iranian women’s soccer players, saying it is "far from ideal." Last week, two players who remained in Australia were spotted training with one of the country’s top clubs, while seven players initially accepted asylum but ultimately declined at the last moment. Meanwhile, Piers Morgan has publicly criticized Megan Rapinoe for her silence during these events, calling it "hypocritical," as the Australian government faces backlash for not acting swiftly enough to secure asylum for the players.
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(UPDATED March 23, 2026 21:36 UTC)
In a powerful act of defiance, the Iranian women's soccer team staged a silent protest by refusing to sing their national anthem during the Women's Asian Cup in Australia, which drew criticism from an Iranian broadcaster that labeled them "wartime traitors." Following the match against the Philippines on March 8, at least two players chose to remain in Australia, while seven others initially accepted asylum but later declined the opportunity. Megan Rapinoe praised the bravery of the Iranian players during a recent podcast, expressing concern for their safety and that of their families back in Iran amid the oppressive regime.