Donald Trump issues statement as Iran women’s football team 'face death penalty'

President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has issued a statement on the Iranian women's national team.

Last week, Iran were taking part in the AFC Women's Asian Cup, held in Australia.

However, they finished bottom of Group A, having lost to South Korea, Australia and the Philippines.

As reported by ESPN, there were fears that 'the team could face persecution' if they returned to the country after they opted not to sing the national anthem before their first match of the tournament.

There were fears that the team could even face death penalty upon returning to Iran.

Taking to social media, Trump urged the Australian government to take in the entire squad and claimed that 'they will most likely be killed' if forced back to Iran.

Trump wrote on Truth Social: "Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman's Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed.

"Don't do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give asylum. The U.S. will take them if you won't. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President Donald J. Trump."

Iran were knocked out of the Asian Cup. Image: Getty

Trump then praised Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after five members of the Iranian squad were granted visas to stay in the country.

He wrote: "He's on it! Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way.

"Some, however, feel they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don't return."

Trump added: "In any event, the Prime Minister is doing a very good job having to do with this rather delicate situation. God bless Australia!"

As per Sky News, Albanese said: "Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They are safe here and they should feel at home here.

"Once it was made clear these women wanted assistance, the Australian federal police moved them to a safe location where they remain."