Two Iranian women’s soccer players, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, have expressed their gratitude to the Australian government for providing them with a “safe haven” and humanitarian visas. On April 17, they stated their desire to resume their professional sporting careers.
In their first public comments since receiving humanitarian protection, the athletes released a statement acknowledging the support that has instilled hope for a future where they can live and compete securely. “We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Australian government, and particularly Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, for granting us humanitarian protection and a safe haven in this beautiful country,” they affirmed.
This development follows an incident in March when seven members of the Iranian women’s soccer team sought asylum in Australia after refusing to sing Iran’s national anthem before an Asian Cup game, an action that drew criticism from Iranian state media. However, five of these players later withdrew their asylum claims and rejoined the team, traveling through Malaysia en route back to Iran.
Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh chose to remain in Australia amid concerns raised by rights advocates regarding potential government pressure on some team members returning home. Both players have since been seen training with the A-League Women’s team Brisbane Roar.
Their decision comes against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in their home country, which escalated following US and Israeli air strikes on Iran on February 28.
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