Australia Grants Citizenship to 2 Iranian Women’s Soccer Players Who Sought Asylum
The pair were among seven Iranian squad members who sought protection after a protest at the Women’s Asian Cup, with five later returning to Iran.
- Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke granted citizenship to former Iranian women footballers Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh at a ceremony, with both expressing they were "proud" of the status.
- Seeking protection in Australia, Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh fled after refusing to sing the national anthem during the Asian Cup in March, actions that branded them "traitors" in Iran.
- Brisbane Roar provided support throughout their asylum process, with a club spokesman saying, "To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in."
- Five other teammates returned home, where Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed they "disappointed the enemies " and called them "children of the homeland."
- The status of those who returned to Iran remains unclear, though Brisbane Roar confirmed the door remains open for Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh to train with the club in Queensland.
57 Articles
57 Articles
Ex-Iranian pair proud to become Australians
Two former Iranian women soccer players yesterday said they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game. Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s d
Saudi Gazette
AlKhaleej TodayIranian women footballers who defied Tehran become Australian citizens
SYDNEY — Two members of Iran's women's national football team who publicly defied their government and sought asylum in Australia earlier this year have officially have become Australian citizens.Fatemeh Pasandideh, 22, and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, 34, were sworn in by Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke at a citizenship ceremony in Brisbane, Queensland, on Wednesday, according to a statement released on Thursday.The ceremony was attended by…
Two Iranian footballers who had applied for asylum during the Asian Championships in Australia in spring have been officially naturalized.
Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh, the Iranian women's football players who staged a protest against the government by refusing to sing the national anthem before a match, have become Australian citizens. Fearing repression upon returning to Iran, the two players decided to stay and are now preparing to continue their careers in Brisbane Roar.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 51% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
