Several members of the Iran women’s national football team have been granted asylum in Australia after refusing to sing their national anthem during an international tournament.

The players were in Australia to participate in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup when the incident occurred. Before one of their matches the team declined to sing Iran’s national anthem which is widely believed to have been a silent protest against the Iranian government. Soon after the match Iranian state media reportedly described the players as traitors raising fears that they could face punishment if they returned home.

Concern for the safety of the athletes quickly grew. Five players left the team’s training camp and sought protection from Australian authorities who moved them to a secure location while their requests were processed.

Australia later granted humanitarian visas to several members of the delegation allowing them to remain in the country. Officials said the decision was made after careful interviews conducted without pressure from Iranian authorities.

The asylum requests came during a period of heightened political tension involving Iran. Supporters and activists in Australia also held protests urging the government to protect the players from possible retaliation if they returned home.

Officials confirmed that a total of seven members of the Iranian football delegation eventually received humanitarian visas though one later reconsidered the decision and expressed interest in returning to Iran.

The situation has drawn global attention with many praising the courage of the athletes while human rights groups continue to call for protection for their families.