In brief
Fatemeh Pasandideh, one of the two Iranian footballers who remain in Australia after seeking asylum, shares her optimism with supporters, stating 'everything will be fine.' She and teammate Atefeh Ramezanisadeh train with the Brisbane Roar, having received humanitarian visas after their team faced repercussions for skipping the national anthem. While the other five Iranian players returned home, Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh are welcomed into the Brisbane community as they navigate their new lives.
Two members of Iran's national women's football team who sought asylum in Australia have been spotted training at the grounds of the A-league football team Brisbane Roar.
Everything will be fine, one of them, Fatemeh Pasandideh, posted on Instagram.
She and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were among seven Iranian footballers who said they were seeking asylum during their trip to the Women's Asian Cup in Australia, but five players decided to retract their bids.
The duo gained humanitarian visas after concerns arose that the team might face repercussions for not singing the Iranian national anthem during their opening Asian Cup match.
The players who changed their minds have since departed Australia, reportedly heading back home.
The Brisbane Roar women's squad shared cheerful photos of Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh on their social media platforms, showcasing their good spirits as they trained with their new team.
Brisbane Roar FC Chief Executive Kaz Patafta officially welcomed both players, emphasizing the club's commitment to offering them a supportive environment while they navigate their new lives in Australia.
Following the team's refusal to sing the national anthem on March 2, the players were relocated to Brisbane, where they sought protection from Australian Federal Police as concerns for their safety grew.
Activists have suggested that the players who left may have faced coercion due to familial threats back in Iran.
The situation illustrates a broader narrative amid turmoil in Iran stemming from recent geopolitical conflicts.
