Iranian footballers granted Australian citizenship after anthem protest

Two Iranian women's national football team players, Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, 34, and Fatemeh Pasandideh, 22, have officially become Australian citizens. The ceremony took place in Brisbane, Queensland, on Wednesday, August 5, with Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke in attendance. The two athletes had sought asylum in Australia in March, expressing concerns about facing pressure if they returned to Iran. Their protest involved refusing to sing the national anthem before a match during the Women's Asian Cup in Australia. Following this act, they were targeted as "traitors" on Iranian state television, with calls for their punishment. While seven members of the team were offered humanitarian visas, five later returned to Iran. Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh, however, chose to remain in Australia. Human rights advocates suggest that threats against the families of the returning players may have influenced their decision. Iranian authorities deny these claims, stating that the returning athletes "foiled the enemy's plan with national spirit and patriotism." The two players have since begun training with the A-League Women's team Brisbane Roar and intend to pursue their professional football careers in Australia. Pasandideh described the moment of receiving her citizenship as "indescribable" and proudly called Australia her "home," while Ramezanisadeh expressed pride and gratitude for becoming an Australian citizen, recalling the difficulties they faced.

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Australia is now my home with pride, and this moment is indescribable.