The players reportedly feared persecution if they returned to Iran after refusing to sing the national anthem and being labelled “wartime traitors.” Australian authorities moved the athletes to a secure location while offering the rest of the team the option to stay. The situation has drawn global attention, with U.S. President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese discussing the case. Published – March 10, 2026 11:36 am IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation Singapore Management University Graduates Remain Resilient in Cautious Job Market; 91.4% Secured Employment Social Media ban: YouTube, TikTok engaging with Indonesia government on child social media block