It was a strong image! During their first match of the Asian Cup, in Australia, the Iranian players decided not to sing their national anthem, shortly after the start of the war in the Middle East. They were then described as “traitors” in their country. Seven members of the Iranian delegation then requested asylum from the country hosting the competition.
Five people then withdrew their request and returned with their teammates. Only Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh remained in Australia. In a joint statement, the two footballers thanked the Australian government for “granting them humanitarian protection and safe haven in this beautiful country”.
The dream of pursuing career in Australia
“The compassion and support shown to us during this difficult time has given us hope for a future where we can live and play competitively safely,” they said. We are overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the Iranian community in Australia. Your support made us feel welcomed and less alone as we navigated this time of transition. »
A week after seeking asylum, the two players were photographed smiling while training with Australian club Brisbane Roar. They have not been seen since and are housed in an undisclosed location. “At this stage, our priority is our safety, our health and the beginning of the process of rebuilding our lives,” they explained. We are top athletes, and our dream remains to continue our sporting careers here in Australia. »
The fate of the rest of the team remains uncertain after returning to Iran. AFP journalists saw the players crossing the border from Turkey into the country on a bus, dressed in national team tracksuits.
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