Australia grants citizenship to two Iranian footballers who sought asylum

Iranian footballers Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh have officially become Australian citizens after seeking asylum in the country. The pair were granted citizenship in a ceremony in Brisbane on Wednesday, presided over by the Minister of Interior, Tony Burke.

Their case gained international attention during the Women's Asian Cup, held in Australia, when they were among seven members of the Iranian delegation who requested asylum. This action followed their refusal to sing the national anthem before Iran's match against South Korea on March 2. Iranian state media reportedly labeled them "traitors" for this gesture.

While five of the seven asylum seekers eventually withdrew their requests and returned to Iran, Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh remained in Australia on humanitarian visas. They began training with the Brisbane Roar team in March, receiving support from the club during their adaptation process.

"Australia has given me the opportunity to build my life and my future, and I feel, more than ever, that I belong here," Atefeh Ramezanisadeh stated in a release from the Ministry. Fatemeh Pasandideh described the day as "one of the happiest days" of her life, calling citizenship "a new beginning and a place I am proud to call home."