Iran Soccer Team Defectors Return, Facing Family Threats

0:00Sydney stories making news on March 15th. The captain of Iran's women's soccer team has dropped her asylum claim in Australia and headed back home, raising alarms that the Tehran government is, threatening players families. Zahra Ganbari, a 34-year-old star-score, is the latest to reverse course. Out of seven who saw protection last week, five have now abandoned their bids and left, with just two still in Australia. Ganbari flew to Malaysia to rejoin her teammates after three others departed Saturday night. She's Kurdish from a major city in Iran and lost her father recently, yet pressure reportedly continues on her mother. Officials allegedly promise rewards and royal treatment to those who return. Ex-player Shiba Amini claims the Iranian football federation and revolutionary guard are squeezing families hard to force compliance. Many leaders like Tina Courts or Stami worry the regime will target the last two players too. Some suspect the team staff are acted as an inside influence, though that's unconfirmed.

1:02Iran's state media hails a returns as a patriotic win against western plots, especially amid their conflict with Israel and the United States now in. It's third week. They call it a blow to Australia and America. Australian officials say they vetted everyone thoroughly and respect the tough choices these women face between safety abroad and family risks back. Home. Fears linger that more could follow soon. And this episode is brought to you by our sponsor. See the episode description. Podcasts hit different when the sound comes from your pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com.