Australia grants citizenship to former Iran players who refused anthem | OneFootball

Australia has naturalised two former Iran internationals, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, on Wednesday. The pair have been in Australia since March 2026 after seeking asylum.

According to L'Équipe, they fled the national team during the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia in March after refusing to sing the Iranian anthem. The gesture was intended to support protesters opposed to the regime in Iran.

Ramezanisadeh described the day as special and unforgettable, saying she was proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen. Pasandideh said the moment meant more than words could express.

Five others initially lodged similar asylum requests but later withdrew. In Iran the duo were branded traitors, and they chose to remain in Australia.

They have since been seen training with Brisbane Roar, although they have not played a competitive match.

Source: L'Équipe

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