Iranian Women Footballers Granted Asylum in Australia After Asian Cup

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh who refused anthem seek safety, thank Australia  

Two Iranian players who sought asylum during the Asian Cup have thanked Australia for protection.  
Five teammates returned to Iran after being called “traitors” for not singing the anthem.  
The pair trained with Brisbane Roar and are in a safe location.  

Iranian women footballers hopeful for safe new life in Australia...

Two Iranian women footballers who sought asylum last month during the Asian Cup said Friday the support they had received in Australia gave them hope of being able to “live and compete in safety.”

Seven members of Iran's delegation at the tournament sought sanctuary after being branded “traitors” at home for refusing to sing the national anthem in their opening game, soon after war erupted in the Middle East.

With their requests for protection an embarrassment for Iran's leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.

Only Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh stayed, despite activists accusing Iranian authorities of pressuring the women's families, including summoning their parents for interrogation.

“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,” they said.

“We are overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of the Iranian diaspora community in Australia. Your support has made us feel welcome and less alone as we navigate this transition.

“At this stage our primary focus is on our safety, our health and beginning the process of rebuilding our lives,” they added.

“We are elite athletes and it remains our dream to continue our sporting careers here in Australia. However, we are not yet ready to speak publicly about our experiences.”

In a joint statement, the pair thanked the Australian government for “granting us humanitarian protection and a safe haven in this beautiful country.”

A week after seeking asylum, the pair were pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar. They have not been seen since and are being housed at an undisclosed location.

Lured back with promises. Punished on return.

Iran seizes the property of women’s football captain Zahra Ghanbari.

This is what “safety” looks like under the regime.
1/5 pic.twitter.com/jCv8nht2eS

— Sardar Pashaei (@sardar_pashaei) April 11, 2026

The fate of the rest of the team remains unclear following their return to Iran.

They cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.

Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support staff were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them.”

By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies of Iran and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements,” he added.