As they begin their new life in Australia, two Iranian women’s football players who applied for asylum have started training with Brisbane Roar, an A-League team.
Seven members of Iran’s delegation were granted humanitarian visas, including midfielder Fatemeh Pasandideh and defender Atefeh Ramezanizadeh, due to concerns about potential persecution if they went home after participating in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
Pasandideh and Ramezanizadeh joined Brisbane Roar’s women’s team for a training session, the team revealed on social media on Monday.
CEO Kaz Patafta stated, “Brisbane Roar formally welcomed both Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanizadeh to the club’s training facilities and remain committed to providing a supportive environment for them while they navigate the next stages.”
Seven members of the Iranian women’s football team were given asylum by Australia after they voiced fear of going back home, according to a previous report by Naija News. Five members, however, later decided to return to Iran after having second thoughts about the asylum offer.
Players Were Afraid of Being Penalized for Anthem Silence
The players’ refusal to sing the national anthem prior to their first game on the Gold Coast in Queensland reportedly raised fears about their safety. The team’s effort started after Israel and the United States initiated attacks on Iran, and Iranian official media called them “wartime traitors.”
The two players were seen meeting the Brisbane Roar team and taking part in shooting drills in pictures that the club shared.
The 33-year-old Ramezanizadeh added, “Thank you for everything,” beneath the Instagram photo.
The 21-year-old Pasandideh also shared a photo of herself in Brisbane with FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis on her Instagram account on Monday, captioning it with the words “everything will be fine.”
Former Teammates Travel to Malaysia to Return Home
Their former teammates returned to Iran from Malaysia, while the two started new lives in Australia. The squad took an Oman Air trip to Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Monday night, however it was unclear where they were going.
While those who returned home would come under scrutiny from Iranian authorities incensed over the anthem demonstrations, the two players who stayed in Australia face an unclear future as they rebuild their football careers far from their family and the nation where they honed their skills.
