Iranian Female Footballers Express Gratitude to Australia for Safe Haven

AI Summary

Two Iranian female football players, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, have thanked the Australian government for granting them humanitarian visas and a safe haven. They aim to resume their sporting careers after rebuilding their lives.

Iranian women football players Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh have publicly expressed their gratitude to the Australian government for offering them a 'safe haven' and humanitarian visas. In their first public comments since being granted protection, the players stated that the compassion and support shown to them has provided hope for a future where they can live and compete in safety.

The duo, who began training with the A-League Women's team Brisbane Roar last month, emphasized that their primary focus is on rebuilding their lives, health, and safety. They also expressed their desire to continue their sporting careers in Australia.

Australia initially granted humanitarian visas to six players and one support staff member from the Iranian squad after their Asian Cup campaign. However, only Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh chose to stay in Australia, while the others returned home.

The decision to seek asylum in Australia came after concerns over the players' safety surfaced when several teammates did not sing the national anthem at an Asian Cup match. Iranian state TV subsequently labelled them 'wartime traitors'.