US EditionIran women players thank Australian government for protection
The pair said Australia’s support has given them hope to rebuild their lives and continue their sporting careers in safety.
- On Friday, Iranian soccer players Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh thanked the Australian Government for providing a "safe haven in this beautiful country," singling out Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke for granting humanitarian protection.
- Concerns regarding the players' safety surfaced after they refused to sing the national anthem before an Asian Cup match, prompting Iranian state media to label them "wartime traitors."
- Australia initially granted humanitarian visas to seven squad members, but five subsequently withdrew their asylum claims and returned to Iran, leaving only Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh in Australia.
- A-League Women club Brisbane Roar has provided the duo access to training facilities, stating it was committed to providing a supportive environment for their transition.
- "We are elite athletes, and it remains our dream to continue our sporting careers here in Australia," they said, though they requested privacy and will not conduct interviews in the immediate future.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Henry Herald
Clayton NewsIranian soccer players in Australia thankful for 'safe haven'
Two members of the Iranian women's soccer team who were granted asylum in Australia last month, released a joint statement Friday thanking the Australian government for assistance with "the process of rebuilding our lives."
Iranian women's soccer players granted asylum in Australia say they dream of continuing careers 'in safety'
Iranian soccer players Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh have spoken out for the first time since accepting asylum in Australia, saying they intend to compete "in safety."
The Iranian national football players Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh received asylum in Australia after their silent protest. Now they have expressed their thanks.
Iranian footballers Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh now live in Australia, in a secret place, after applying for asylum at the end of the Asia Cup of Nations.
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