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

The 2 Iranian women’s soccer players who remained successful Australia amid nan U.S. and Israel’s associated subject run against Iran person spoken retired publically for nan first clip since accepting asylum, saying they intend to proceed their master careers "in safety" there. 

Fatemeh Pasandideh ​and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh released a associated connection thanking nan Australian authorities for its support and providing them pinch "safe haven." 

Iranian shot subordinate Fatemeh Pasandideh kicks a shot astatine a Brisbane Roar nine training convention successful Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026. (Brisbane Roar/AP)

"The compassion and support shown to america during this challenging clip has provided america pinch dream for a early wherever we tin unrecorded and compete successful safety," nan connection read, via nan Australian Associated Press.

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"We are overwhelmed by nan warmth and generosity of nan Iranian diaspora organization successful Australia. Your support has made america consciousness invited and little unsocial arsenic we navigate this transition," nan connection continued. "At this stage, our superior attraction is connected our safety, our wellness and opening nan process of rebuilding our lives.

"We are elite athletes, and it remains our dream to proceed our sporting careers present successful Australia."

The business involving the Iranian women’s soccer squad began aft nan squad arrived successful Australia for nan Women’s Asian Cup successful February. The squad was already location erstwhile nan U.S. launched a associated subject cognition pinch Israel against Iran. 

Iranian shot subordinate Atefeh Ramezanisadeh kicks a shot astatine a Brisbane Roar nine training convention successful 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 nan team’s opening lucifer against South Korea, nan squad stood silent during nan nationalist anthem arsenic Iranian caput coach Marziyeh Jafari, besides silent, smiled astatine her team. The soundlessness was interpreted by immoderate arsenic an enactment of resistance. But successful nan pursuing lucifer against Australia and nan consequent lucifer that led to their elimination, nan squad sang on and saluted during nan nationalist anthem.

Concern for nan squad aft nan tourney prompted nan Australian Iranian Council to motorboat an online petition urging Australian authorities to "ensure that nary personnel of Iran’s women’s nationalist shot squad is to depart Australia while reliable fears for their information remain."

Iran players during their nationalist anthem up of nan Women's Asian Cup shot lucifer betwixt Iran and nan Philippines successful Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (Dave Hunt/AAPImage)

Seven women initially accepted nan asylum connection earlier 5 changed their minds and said they would return to Iran.

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Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh said successful their connection that they "are not yet fresh to speak publically astir our experiences." 

"We respectfully inquire nan media for privateness and abstraction astatine this time. We will not beryllium making immoderate further comments aliases conducting interviews successful nan contiguous future."

Last month, they were pictured astatine a believe convention pinch a master nine successful Brisbane.

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