KUALA LUMPUR – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) says the situation involving the Iranian women’s football team in Malaysia remains fluid, with more players expected to arrive in Kuala Lumpur in the coming days.
Several players who had initially sought asylum in Australia are now returning to rejoin their national team, which is currently based in Kuala Lumpur.
Speaking at a press conference at Wisma FAM today, AFC secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John said the players are “well taken care of” and that both the AFC and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) are providing full logistical, moral and emotional support.
“They are fully aware that it is their decision where and when they want to leave. We are here to provide all the support they need while they decide on their next steps,” he said.
“The situation remains fluid, and we are receiving daily updates about players returning from Australia to rejoin the team here in Kuala Lumpur.
“More are expected to arrive in the coming days, and we are ready to assist them with travel, accommodation and any logistical needs.”
Windsor explained that the players are waiting for instructions from their federation and for flight connections to be arranged, as direct travel back to Iran is currently not possible.
“It’s natural that they come to Malaysia because the team is here, the officials are here, and the support from the AFC is here. They have no lack of support while they make their onward plans,” he added.
Windsor also noted that Malaysia provides a convenient transit point, with daily flights to Sydney available for players who had initially sought asylum there.
“They are returning to join their teammates and assess their options before continuing their journey,” he said.
The Iranian team had originally planned to return home after the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, but concerns about their safety surfaced after the squad did not sing the national anthem prior to their match against South Korea.
The move drew criticism from several commentators in Iran, with one conservative analyst reportedly labelling the players “traitors in wartime” and calling for severe punishment.
According to the Embassy of Malaysia in Tehran, Iranian passport holders travelling to Malaysia using their national passports do not require a visa for visits of up to 14 days. - March 16, 2026
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