Two Iranian women footballers granted Australian citizenship after anthem protest at Asian Cup
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, who sought asylum after refusing to sing Iran's anthem at the Women's Asian Cup, were sworn in as Australian citizens in Brisbane on August 5.
The anthem protest
Seven members of the Iranian women's football delegation sought asylum in Australia after the Women's Asian Cup, held in Australia earlier this year. The tournament took place only days after the start of the conflict in Iran and amid international denunciations about the situation of women in the country. The trigger came on March 2, when the team refused to sing Iran's national anthem before their opening match against South Korea. Iranian state media labelled the players "traitors", a reaction that intensified just days after the US and Israeli attack on Iran on February 28. In the two subsequent matches, the players did sing the anthem and saluted before Iran was eliminated from the tournament on March 8.
- US and Israel attack Iran
- Iranian players refuse to sing national anthem before opening match vs South Korea
- Iran eliminated from Asian Cup; seven delegation members seek asylum in Australia
- Five withdraw asylum requests and return to Iran; Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stay and begin training with Brisbane Roar
- Both players express hope for a professional career in Australia
- Citizenship ceremony in Brisbane presided by Interior Minister Tony Burke
Five return, two stay
Of the seven who initially sought protection, five eventually withdrew their requests and returned to Iran. Human rights activists accused Iranian authorities of pressuring the players' families, including summoning parents for interrogation. AFP journalists saw the five players crossing the border from Turkey into Iran on a bus, wearing national team tracksuits with their hair covered. Pasandideh, 22, and Ramezanisadeh, 34, remained in Australia on humanitarian visas, while state media in Iran continued to denounce them as traitors. The fate of those five teammates since their return to Iran remains uncertain.
Brisbane Roar and adaptation
A week after seeking asylum, the two players were photographed smiling at a training session with Brisbane Roar. In March, they began training regularly with the A-League club, which opened its facilities as they started their adaptation process. A club spokesperson said that "what they have experienced since February exceeds what most people face in a lifetime" and that "Queensland is now their home." The club added that if the players ever wish to put on a training shirt and return, "the door will always remain open." In April, the two athletes expressed hope of pursuing a professional career in Australia.
Citizenship ceremony
On Wednesday, August 5, Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh were sworn in as Australian citizens at a ceremony in Brisbane presided by Interior Minister Tony Burke, with friends and members of the local Iranian community in attendance. The club congratulated them on Wednesday.
Australia has given me the opportunity to build my life and my future, and I feel, more than ever, that I belong here.
Pasandideh described the day as one of the happiest of her life.
I am incredibly proud and grateful to now officially be an Australian citizen. After everything we have been through and all the challenges we have faced, this moment means more than words can express. It is not just a certificate, it is a new beginning and a place I am proud to call home.
Ramezanisadeh called it "an unforgettable day." In a joint statement, both players thanked the Australian community and the Interior Ministry for their support during the process, saying the previous day "meant immensely to us" and that they remained "deeply grateful." They indicated they would make no further statements or grant interviews for the time being.
