The Iranian women's national football team landed in Istanbul after a competitive appearance in the Asian Cup held in Australia. Recently, seven players from the delegation had sought asylum there but faced backlash for their stance against singing the national anthem, leading them to withdraw their applications. The decision to return was marked by a sense of longing for home, as expressed by one player who mentioned missing her family.

Photos and videos showed the team arriving at Istanbul Airport, dressed in their national team's tracksuits. They flew to Turkey via Oman and Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the complicated journey they undertook after their departure from Australia. Local Turkish media reported that upon arrival, the players were escorted by police to a hotel, and plans were made for their repatriation back to Iran the following day.

The team's experience underscores the complexities faced by athletes in politically charged environments, particularly in the context of women's rights in Iran. Their initial decision to seek asylum was rooted in a protest against their government's policies, representing a broader struggle for freedom and recognition within women's sports. The reluctant return of these athletes raises questions about the support they may receive upon their arrival back home and their future in sports and activism.