Iranian women’s soccer players granted asylum in Australia say they dream of continuing careers ‘in safety’

[aggregator] downloaded image for imported item #66108

This post was originally published on this site.

The two Iranian women’ssoccerplayers who remained in Australia amid the U.S.and Israel’s joint military campaign against Iran have spoken out publicly for the first time since accepting asylum, saying they intend to continue their professional careers “in safety” there. 

Fatemeh Pasandideh ​and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh released a joint statement thanking the Australian government for its support and providing them with “safe haven.” 

Iranian soccer player Fatemeh Pasandideh kicking a ball during Brisbane Roar training session

Iranian soccer player Fatemeh Pasandideh kicks a ball at a Brisbane Roar club training session in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026.(Brisbane Roar/AP)

“The compassion and support shown to us during this challenging time has provided us with hope for a future where we can live and compete in safety,” the statement read, via theAustralian Associated Press.

the Iranian women’s soccerteam began after the squad arrived in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup in February.The team was already there when the U.S.launched a joint military operation with Israel against Iran. 

Iranian soccer player Atefeh Ramezanisadeh kicking a ball at a training session

Iranian soccer player Atefeh Ramezanisadeh kicks a ball at a Brisbane Roar club training session in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026.(Brisbane Roar/AP)

SOME IRANIAN SOCCER PLAYERS GRANTED ASYLUM BY AUSTRALIA CHOSE TO RETURN HOME, LOCAL OFFICIAL SAYS

In the team’s opening match against South Korea, the squad stood silent during the national anthem as Iranian head coach Marziyeh Jafari, also silent, smiled at her team.The silence was interpreted by some as an act of resistance.But in the following match against Australia and the subsequent match that led to their elimination, the team sang along and saluted during the national anthem.

Concern for the team after the tournament prompted the Australian Iranian Council to launch an online petition urgingAustralian authoritiesto “ensure that no member of Iran’s women’s national football team is to depart Australia while credible fears for their safety remain.”

Read More → Transfer photos from your phone to a hard drive

Iran women

Iran players during their national anthem ahead of the Women’s Asian Cup soccer match between Iran and the Philippines in Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026.(Dave Hunt/AAPImage)

Seven women initially accepted the asylum offer before five changed their minds and said they would return to Iran.

Read More → Read>>

onelink.me/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.

Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh said in their statement that they “are not yet ready to speak publicly” about their experiences.

Read More → Temple from time of Christ reveals powerful society lost to history, archaeologists say

“We respectfully ask the media for privacy and space at this time.We will not be making any further comments or conducting interviews in the immediate future.”

Read More → Swalwell’s fall from grace sparks Democrat rush to return campaign contributions amid scrutiny

Last month, they were pictured at a practice session with a professional club in Brisbane.

�s

Must Read

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top