Iranian footballers say Australia has given them 'hope' for safe future

Two Iranian footballers who were granted asylum in Australia have said the country has given them "hope for a future where we can live and compete in safety".Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh were among seven members of the Iranian team who were originally granted humanitarian visas while in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup - but the other five changed their minds and returned home.It was feared the team would face repercussions for declining to sing the Iranian national anthem at their opening match, days after the war began.In their first public statement, Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh thanked supporters for their compassion and asked for privacy."At this stage, our primary focus is on our safety, our health and beginning the process of rebuilding our lives," the statement read."We are overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of the Australia" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="118317" data-entity-type="organization">Iranian diaspora community in Australia. Your support has made us feel welcome and less alone as we navigate this transition," they added.The pair also thanked the Australian government for providing them "a safe haven in this beautiful country" and officials from the Home Affairs staff for their "dedicated" assistance.Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh - who have been pictured training with A-League Women's team Brisbane Roar - said they hope to continue their elite sporting careers in Australia.