Australian Government Provides Protection to Iranian Women Football Players Abroad

Two Iranian footballers who remained in Australia following the Asian Cup have expressed their gratitude to the Australian government for offering them a safe haven.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, two members of the Iranian women’s football team, have been granted humanitarian visas by the Australian government. In a statement released on Friday, they thanked Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke for providing them with protection and a place to live in Australia.

The players stated that their primary focus is on rebuilding their lives and prioritizing their safety and health. They also expressed their desire to resume their sporting careers in Australia, citing it as their dream.

Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh were among six Iranian footballers who initially arrived in Australia during the Asian Cup tournament. However, five of them later decided to return home, leaving only these two players behind. They began training with the Brisbane Roar women’s team last month.

The players’ decision to stay in Australia was reportedly influenced by concerns over their safety following air strikes on Iran. The Iranian state media had previously referred to some of the players as “wartime traitors” for not singing the national anthem during an Asian Cup match.

Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh’s humanitarian visas were granted after a tumultuous return journey from Australia, which ended with the rest of their team arriving back in Iran via the Turkish border last month.

Source: Al Jazeera