Iran Releases Assets of Women's Football Captain After Withdrawn Asylum Bid
Iran's judiciary has announced the release of assets belonging to Zahra Ghanbari, captain of the Iranian women's national football team. The assets were previously seized after Ghanbari and six others sought asylum in Australia in March 2026, during the Women's Asian Cup. This incident occurred amidst heightened tensions following the outbreak of conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran. Ghanbari and four other teammates subsequently withdrew their asylum claims and returned to Tehran, where they received a public welcome. The court cited a declaration of innocence based on her change in behavior as the reason for unfreezing her property. Her name had appeared on a media-published list of alleged traitors whose assets were frozen due to the war. Rights groups have accused Iranian authorities of coercing athletes by threatening relatives, while Tehran alleges Australian pressure to induce defection. Two players remain in Australia. The controversy arises as the Iranian men's team prepares for the World Cup in the US, with FIFA confirming Iran's participation despite the geopolitical strife.
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Iran Releases Assets of Women's Football Captain After Withdrawn Asylum Bid
Iran's judiciary has announced the release of assets belonging to Zahra Ghanbari, captain of the Iranian women's national football team. The assets were previously seized after Ghanbari and six others sought asylum in Australia in March 2026, during the Women's Asian Cup. This incident occurred amidst heightened tensions following the outbreak of conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran. Ghanbari and four other teammates subsequently withdrew their asylum claims and returned to Tehran, where they received a public welcome. The court cited a declaration of innocence based on her change in behavior as the reason for unfreezing her property. Her name had appeared on a media-published list of alleged traitors whose assets were frozen due to the war. Rights groups have accused Iranian authorities of coercing athletes by threatening relatives, while Tehran alleges Australian pressure to induce defection. Two players remain in Australia. The controversy arises as the Iranian men's team prepares for the World Cup in the US, with FIFA confirming Iran's participation despite the geopolitical strife.
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