Former Iranian women footballers 'proud' after being granted Australian citizenship

Two former members of Iran's women's football team have officially become Australian citizens, a significant step after they sought asylum in Australia. Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were granted citizenship at a ceremony attended by Interior Minister Tony Burke.

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Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen.

Their decision to seek asylum followed a pre-match protest where they refused to sing the Iranian national anthem. This act led to them being branded "traitors" back home. The group of seven from Iran's delegation initially sought protection in Australia during the women's Asian Cup. However, five later decided to return to Iran, while Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh chose to remain.

"Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen," Ramezanisadeh stated. Pasandideh added, "After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express."

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After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express.

The pair had previously been pictured training with Australian club Brisbane Roar. A club spokesperson acknowledged their difficult journey, stating, "What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime. To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in." The club affirmed that Queensland is now their home and offered continued support.

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What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime. To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in.

The situation for the remaining teammates who returned to Iran is uncertain. AFP reporters observed them crossing back into Iran, wearing national team tracksuits with their hair covered. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had stated on X that the players and support team were "children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them," suggesting they had disappointed Iran's adversaries by returning.

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Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.