Former U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe is facing criticism online after several members of Iran’s women’s national team were granted asylum in Australia following a dramatic moment during the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. TV host Piers Morgan was one of the famous figures to take aim at the USWNT icon for her apparent hypocrisy.
Five players from the Iran Women’s National Football Team accepted asylum from the Australian government after their team was eliminated from the tournament, amid concerns they could face repercussions when returning home.
The situation drew international attention after Iranian players declined to sing the national anthem before a match against South Korea, a move that Iranian state television reportedly condemned by labeling the athletes “wartime traitors.”
The 2026 tournament, hosted in Australia, became a flashpoint when officials offered protection to members of the Iranian squad who feared returning home.
Ultimately, five players accepted the offer and were fast-tracked toward permanent residency.
Which players accepted asylum in Australia?
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the government relocated the players to a secure location after their whereabouts were accidentally revealed by another member of the Iranian delegation.
Burke identified the players who accepted asylum as:
- Fatemeh Pasandideh
- Zahra Ghanbari
- Zahra Sarbali
- Atefeh Ramazanzadeh
- Mona Hamoudi
Two others – striker Mohaddeseh Zolfi and staff member Zahra Soltan Moshkehkar – were initially offered asylum as well.
However, one later decided to contact the Iranian embassy to arrange a return home, prompting officials to urgently move the remaining defectors to ensure their safety.
“I immediately gave the instruction for people to be moved,” Burke said in parliament.
“This was her decision, and every question you would want asked was asked.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the athletes, describing them as “brave women” and assuring they would be safe in the country: “They’re safe here and they should feel at home here,” Albanese confirmed.
Officials emphasized the players are not activists but athletes seeking security. “They want to be clear they are not political activists,” Burke said. “They are athletes who want to be safe.”
REMINDER: The same Ms Rapinoe would let men not only enter the women’s locker room, but replace actual women on the team. https://t.co/T1pqhdnoJB
? Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 27, 2026
Rapinoe criticized for silence
Amid the unfolding story, Rapinoe – a two-time World Cup champion and longtime advocate for women’s rights in sports – became the subject of criticism from broadcaster Piers Morgan.
Morgan accused the former U.S. captain of ignoring the situation involving the Iranian players.
“The silence over this from Rapinoe, and so many supposed ‘feminists’ like her, is so telling, damning, and hypocritical,” Morgan posted on Twitter.
He also referenced Rapinoe‘s previous support for transgender athletes competing in women’s sports while criticizing her lack of public comments about the Iranian team’s situation.
Rapinoe has not publicly responded to Morgan‘s remarks or addressed the asylum case.
The controversy comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions following joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on targets in Iran.
Shortly after the Asian Cup developments, Iran‘s government announced it would not participate in the upcoming World Cup tournament in North America.
When asked about the decision, U.S. President Donald Trump responded briefly: “I really don’t care.”
For now, the five players remain under the protection of the Australian government as their residency process moves forward, and their story continues to spark conversation across the sports world.
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