Two Iranian footballers who were granted asylum in Australia, Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh, have expressed that the country has instilled in them a sense of hope for a future where they can live peacefully and continue their sporting careers securely.
Originally part of an Iranian team participating in the Women's Asian Cup, Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh were among seven members who applied for humanitarian visas in Australia. Their decision to seek asylum comes in the context of receiving backlash for not singing the Iranian national anthem amid the war crisis back home.
In a public statement, the athletes thanked their supporters for compassion and requested privacy as they focus on their health and rebuilding their lives. They praised the Iranian diaspora community’s warmth and the Australian government for providing them a safe haven.
Conscious of the turmoil due to the war in Iran, they highlighted the importance of their safety, especially as their teammates returned to Iran, potentially facing backlash due to their decisions. Athletes and human rights activists have raised concerns that those who returned may have faced pressure due to familial threats.
Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh are now practicing with A-League Women's team Brisbane Roar, eager to forge a new path within sports, supported by both their community in Australia and the protective measures provided by the Australian government.
Originally part of an Iranian team participating in the Women's Asian Cup, Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh were among seven members who applied for humanitarian visas in Australia. Their decision to seek asylum comes in the context of receiving backlash for not singing the Iranian national anthem amid the war crisis back home.
In a public statement, the athletes thanked their supporters for compassion and requested privacy as they focus on their health and rebuilding their lives. They praised the Iranian diaspora community’s warmth and the Australian government for providing them a safe haven.
Conscious of the turmoil due to the war in Iran, they highlighted the importance of their safety, especially as their teammates returned to Iran, potentially facing backlash due to their decisions. Athletes and human rights activists have raised concerns that those who returned may have faced pressure due to familial threats.
Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh are now practicing with A-League Women's team Brisbane Roar, eager to forge a new path within sports, supported by both their community in Australia and the protective measures provided by the Australian government.
