Members of Iran’s women’s national football team reportedly used their phone flashlights to signal distress and indicate they did not want to board a plane returning to Iran from Australia.
The gesture came amid growing fears for the players’ safety after they were accused by Iranian state media of disloyalty during the Women’s Asian Cup.
Despite the apparent plea for help, the players were ultimately placed on the aircraft and sent back to Iran.
The incident unfolded as several of their teammates had already sought asylum in Australia, citing concerns about possible punishment if they returned home.
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