Two Iranian women footballers who defied their government and sought asylum in Australia have been granted Australian citizenship.
Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, 34, and Fatemeh Pasandideh, 22, were naturalised at a ceremony in Brisbane on August 5, officiated by Australian immigration minister Tony Burke.
Both expressed pride and gratitude. Ramezanisadeh described it as “a truly special and unforgettable day”, while Pasandideh said the moment meant “more than words can express” and called it “one of the happiest days of my life”.
The pair were among seven members of Iran’s delegation offered humanitarian visas while in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup in March.
Five later returned to Iran, with campaigners accusing Tehran of pressuring their families.
The players had refused to sing the Iranian national anthem before their opening match against South Korea on March 2, drawing accusations of being “wartime traitors” from Iranian State television, amid heightened tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28.
Their situation attracted international attention, including public support from US President Donald Trump, who also raised the matter with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh trained with A-League Women’s side Brisbane Roar in March, and the club said on August 5 they would be welcome to return.
Their path to citizenship has drawn attention, as refugees in Australia normally face a four-year wait before becoming eligible, according to the Refugee Council of Australia.
The accelerated process could enable the two players to represent Australia in international football.
