Zahra Ghanbari has withdrawn her asylum request in Australia and decided to return to Iran. The decision follows similar moves by several other members of the Iranian women’s football delegation who had initially stayed behind in Australia after participating in an international tournament.

According to reports, Ghanbari is expected to travel to Malaysia soon before continuing her journey back to Iran. Her decision comes after four other players from the team had already withdrawn their asylum applications in recent days.

Earlier, six members of the Iranian women’s national football team had remained in Australia following the end of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Australian authorities had reportedly offered them humanitarian protection amid concerns that some players could face consequences if they returned home.

Out of the six players who initially stayed back, four had already reversed their asylum requests. With the captain now taking the same step, only one footballer from the group is still considering remaining in Australia.

Tony Burke confirmed that the Australian government had offered protection to players and support staff of the Iranian team. The offer came after some players did not sing the national anthem during the tournament, an action that raised concerns about possible repercussions if they returned to Iran.

Media reports also indicated that six players and one staff member from the 26-member Iranian squad initially accepted Australia’s humanitarian protection offer. Meanwhile, most members of the Iranian delegation had already departed Sydney on March 9 and traveled to Kuala Lumpur.

With the latest development, Ghanbari’s withdrawal leaves only one player from the group still pursuing asylum in Australia, bringing the unusual episode involving the Iranian women’s team close to its conclusion.