MELBOURNE, Australia — Two members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who claimed asylum in Australia in March have been granted citizenship, reports BritPanorama.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh announced in a statement Thursday that Immigration Minister Tony Burke swore them in the day before at a citizenship ceremony in their home city of Brisbane.
Friends and supporters from the local Iranian community attended the ceremony. Ramezanisadeh expressed her pride, stating, “Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen. Australia has given me the opportunity to build my life and my future, and I feel, more than ever, that I belong here.”
She added that her Iranian roots and memories would always be a part of her. Pasandideh described Wednesday as “one of the happiest days of my life.” She remarked, “I’m incredibly proud and grateful to officially become an Australian citizen. After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express.”
When The Associated Press inquired about the accelerated citizenship process for the women, Burke’s office stated that it could not comment on individual cases due to privacy issues. The Refugee Council of Australia, which represents asylum-seekers, indicated that refugees typically must reside in Australia on a valid visa for four years before applying for citizenship.
Their citizenship could have been expedited under Australian law, potentially enabling them to participate in soccer for Australia. The Iranians joined Brisbane Roar, a team in Australia’s A-League Women’s domestic competition, after seeking asylum when Iran withdrew from the Women’s Asia Cup hosted by Australia.
Initially, seven Iranian women accepted asylum, but five opted to return to the team shortly thereafter for undisclosed reasons. Concerns about the players’ well-being in Iran grew when they chose not to sing the national anthem before their first tournament match.
Protesters advocating for asylum for the team referenced Iranian sports commentator Mohammad Reza Shahbazi, who labeled the women “wartime traitors” during a televised broadcast. U.S. President Donald Trump called for the team to be granted asylum and reached out to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding the matter.
