Iranian Women's Soccer Team Returns Home

0:00Global stories making news on March 18th. The Iranian women's soccer team has made it back home after a tense trip from Australia. Five players with Saudi asylum there decided to withdraw their claims and rejoin the squad for the journey to Iran. They crossed the border from Turkey on Wednesday, wrapping up their return amid concerns over their safety. The drama started during the women's Asian Cup earlier this month. Several players didn't sing the national anthem at a match, right as the United States in Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing supreme leader. Ayatollah Ali Kaminay, Iranian state media called them wartime traders, sparking fears of persecution if they returned. Australia had granted humanitarian beases to six players and one staff member who apply for asylum. But five of them changed their minds as reported by Australian media on Monday. They met up with the rest of the team in Kuala Lumpur before heading out. The group flew into Istanbul on Tuesday. Iran took a morning flight to Eastern Turkey.

1:00From there, they bused to the Gerbilag border gate, cleared passport control, and entered Iran after about two hours on the road. The Iranian Football Association welcomed them back, saying they'd be embraced by their families and homeland. Two players are still in Australia, where they've been spotted training with a local A-League club. The team was knocked out of the Asian Cup more than a week ago, but this return marks a key chapter closing for most of the squad. This story is made possible by our sponsor, see the episode description. Your pillow just got smarter. It plays your podcast and music, S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com.