Iranian soccer players who sought asylum in Australia say anthem silence was protest against Tehran
The players said their silence was a protest against Tehran’s crackdown, and seven team members later accepted Australia’s asylum offer.
- On Sunday, Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh confirmed their silence during the national anthem at the Women's Asian Cup in March was a protest against Tehran in their first media interview on Australia's '60 Minutes' program.
- The athletes faced criticism in Iran, where media branded them traitors for remaining silent during their March 2 opening loss; Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh stated their refusal stood against Tehran's crackdown on nationwide demonstrations.
- Ramezanisadeh said her silence "could have meant any form of torture" for her, yet she rejected instructions from Iranian authorities to return, fearing she might never see her family again.
- President Donald Trump previously called for the team to receive asylum and contacted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the issue; seven players initially accepted, but only Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh remained, becoming Australian citizens in August.
- The pair now plays for the Wynnum Wolves semi-professional soccer team in Brisbane; Pasandideh expressed hope to return to Iran "when the situation in Iran has changed and the people of Iran are happy and thriving.
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The two defected Iranian footballers are now telling us why they refused to sing the national anthem during the Asian Championship, which branded them “traitors.” “It was the least we could do. Our people risked their lives and were killed,” says Fatemeh Pasandideh.
Iran's female footballers did not sing the national anthem at the Asian Cup. There was no official explanation afterwards. Now the two players who stayed in Australia say: It was a protest against the leadership in Tehran.
‘Couldn't stay silent’: Iranian footballers reveal why they refused to sing anthem before seeking asylum in Australia
Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh, two Iranian footballers, have boldly confirmed that their silence during the national anthem was a deliberate act of protest. By choosing not to sing, they aimed to express solidarity with the demonstrators in Iran. Acknowledging the risks of their stance, both athletes are now proud Australian citizens and actively participate in semi-professional football.
Iranian soccer players who sought asylum in Australia say anthem silen
FILE - Fatemeh Pasandideh, left, and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, right, former members of the Iranian women's soccer team, stand with Australia's Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, after receiving their citizenship in Brisbane, Australia, on Aug. 5, 2026. (Department of Home Affairs via AP, File)
Associated Press News
Iranian soccer players who sought asylum in Australia say anthem silence was protest against Tehran
Two members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who claimed asylum in Australia have confirmed their pivotal refusal to sing the national anthem during the Women’s Asian Cup in March was a protest against Tehran.
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