BRISBANE, Australia – Two Iranian women’s footballers who sought protection in Australia after publicly defying their government’s directives have officially become Australian citizens, months after choosing not to return to Iran.
Okay News reports that Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, 34, and Fatemeh Pasandideh, 22, received their citizenship certificates during a ceremony in Brisbane attended by Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke. Ramezanisadeh described the occasion as “a truly special and unforgettable day,” while Pasandideh said the milestone meant “more than words can express.”
The pair were among seven members of Iran’s national women’s football team who were offered humanitarian visas while competing in Australia during the Women’s Asian Cup in March. The players came under scrutiny after refusing to sing the Iranian national anthem following the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. While five teammates later returned home, Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh remained in Australia and pursued asylum.
Both footballers have since joined training with Brisbane Roar as they prepare to continue their professional careers. Their citizenship comes as Australia moves toward stricter migration policies, while human rights groups continue to express concern over the treatment of asylum seekers. Meanwhile, activists have alleged that some players who returned to Iran faced pressure through threats against their families, although Iranian authorities said the returning athletes had demonstrated patriotism by going back.
