Two Iranian women’s football players who sought asylum in Australia have begun training with Brisbane Roar, an A-League club, as they start their new lives in the country.
Midfielder Fatemeh Pasandideh and defender Atefeh Ramezanizadeh were among seven members of Iran’s delegation granted humanitarian visas amid fears of possible persecution if they returned home after competing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
Brisbane Roar announced on social media Monday that Pasandideh and Ramezanizadeh had joined a training session with its women’s team.
“Brisbane Roar officially welcomed both Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanizadeh to the club’s training facilities and remain committed to providing a supportive environment for them whilst they navigate the next stages,” CEO Kaz Patafta said.
Bellnews had earlier reported that Australia granted asylum to seven members of the Iranian women’s football team after they expressed fears about returning home. However, five members subsequently changed their minds about the asylum offer and decided to return to Iran.
Players Feared Punishment Over Anthem Silence
According to reports, concerns over the players’ safety emerged after they refused to sing the national anthem before their opening match on the Gold Coast in Queensland. Iranian state media labelled them “wartime traitors,” with the team’s campaign beginning as the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran.
Photos posted by the club showed the two players meeting the Brisbane Roar squad and participating in shooting drills.
“Thank you for everything,” Ramezanizadeh, 33, wrote under the post on Instagram.
Pasandideh, 21, also posted on her Instagram story Monday, showing her with FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis in Brisbane with a caption saying “everything will be fine.”
Former Teammates Return Home Through Malaysia
While the pair began their new lives in Australia, their former teammates made their way home to Iran from Malaysia. The team travelled to Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Monday evening, checking in on an Oman Air flight, although their destination remained unclear.
The two players who remained in Australia face an uncertain future as they rebuild their football careers far from their families and the country where they developed their skills, while those who returned home may face scrutiny from Iranian authorities angry about the anthem protests.