Two Iranian Footballers Make Australian Citizens, Defying Tehran

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:49:04 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh, former Iranian national team players, were naturalised in Brisbane, turning a political defiance into a new home.

In Brisbane, two Iranian women footballers who refused to sing their national anthem during a match were granted Australian citizenship, solidifying a dramatic personal turning point amid regional conflict. The duo, Atenfeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh, were granted humanitarian asylum visas while in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup, and only they chose to stay, becoming citizens. Their naturalisation unfolds as the Australian government tightens migration rules, sparking debate over asylum protection. The players plan to continue elite football in the A-League Women’s team, signalling new opportunities for athletes fleeing political oppression.

Two Iranian Footballers Make Australian Citizens, Defying Tehran

In a historic ceremony in Brisbane, Queensland, Atefeh Ramezanisadeh (34) and Fatemeh Pasandideh (22) received Australian citizenship, following their same-day naturalisation on Wednesday.

The pair had been part of Iran’s national women’s team during the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. While in Australia, they were granted humanitarian asylum visas; five teammates later returned to Iran, but Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh chose to stay.

The decision came amid heightened tensions after the US–Israeli strike against Iran on 28 February, which led Iranian media to brand players who did not sing the national anthem on March 2nd “traitors.”.

Government officials initially offered the players asylum, but only the two retained the offer, citing fear of reprisals for refusing to sing in front of Iranian officials.

Their citizenship ceremony was attended by Interior Minister Tony Burke. Ramezanisadeh spoke of her new “unforgettable day,” while Pasandideh described the experience as “a new beginning” and a home from which she could be proud.

Both women plan to train with the A-League Women’s side Brisbane Roar, continuing their elite football careers in Australia.

Their fate is set against broader policy debates. Australia is preparing tougher visa rules that restrict asylum seekers’ employment rights, limit appeals, and ban family visa applications from visitors, prompting criticism from refugee advocates who say it threatens asylum seekers’ safety.

Iran’s sports ministry later praised the remaining Iranian athletes for their “national spirit” and claimed their returnee teammates had thwarted plans against them.

Two Iranian female footballers, Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh, pose proudly in Brisbane.