Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection

Iranian women's football players Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh have thanked the Australian government for offering them a "safe haven" after being granted humanitarian visas following air strikes on Iran. The two players had initially stayed in Australia with the Brisbane Roar, where they began training last month. They expressed gratitude to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and stated that their primary focus is now on rebuilding their lives and prioritizing their safety and health. Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh wish to resume their sporting careers in Australia, which remains a dream for them as elite athletes. The players' decision to stay in Australia came after several teammates were criticized by Iranian state TV for not singing the national anthem at an Asian Cup match.

Two Iranian footballers, Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh, have been granted asylum in Australia after arriving for the Women's Asian Cup. They were part of a group of seven team members initially granted humanitarian visas, but the other five returned to Iran. The players expressed fears of repercussions for not singing the Iranian national anthem at a match following the start of a war. In their first public statement, Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh thanked the Australian government and the Iranian diaspora for their support, stating that Australia has given them "hope for a future where we can live and compete in safety." They are now focused on rebuilding their lives and hope to continue their sporting careers in Australia, having been seen training with Brisbane Roar.