Australia: Two Iranian women footballers, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, have publicly expressed gratitude to the Australian Government after being granted humanitarian visas, describing the move as a chance to rebuild their lives and careers in safety.
In their first public statement since arriving in Australia, the duo said the support and compassion extended to them had restored hope for a secure future. They specifically acknowledged Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke for facilitating their protection.
They remarked that, “We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Australian government… for granting us humanitarian protection and a safe haven in this beautiful country,” adding that their immediate focus remains on recovery and stability.
The players were part of a group of Iranian team members who received humanitarian visas during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, which coincided with escalating tensions marked by air strikes involving the United States and Israel targeting Iran. While six players and a support staff member were initially granted visas, five later chose to return to Iran.
Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh decided to remain in Australia, where they have since begun training with Brisbane Roar, aiming to resume their professional football careers.
“At this stage, our primary focus is on our safety, our health and beginning the process of rebuilding our lives,” they said. “We are elite athletes, and it remains our dream to continue our sporting careers here in Australia.”
Concerns about the players’ safety intensified during the tournament after some members of the Iranian team refrained from singing the national anthem, leading to criticism from Iranian state media, which reportedly labelled them ‘wartime traitors.’ Meanwhile, the rest of the Iranian squad returned home last month via the Turkish border following a tense journey back from Australia.
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