Iranian Footballers Seek New Start: Two Players Begin Training In Australia

Two Iranian women’s footballers who sought asylum in Australia have officially begun training with A-League club Brisbane Roar, marking the start of their new lives in the country.

Midfielder Fatemeh Pasandideh and defender Atefeh Ramezanizadeh were among seven members of Iran’s delegation granted humanitarian visas amid concerns about potential persecution upon returning home after competing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

According to Ireporter Online, Brisbane Roar confirmed on social media that the duo joined a training session with its women’s team. “Brisbane Roar officially welcomed both Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanizadeh to the club’s training facilities and remain committed to providing a supportive environment for them whilst they navigate the next stages,” said CEO Kaz Patafta.

Reports indicate that fears over the players’ safety arose after they did not sing the Iranian national anthem before their opening match on the Gold Coast in Queensland. Iranian state media described the players as “wartime traitors,” amid tensions following airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.

Photos shared by Brisbane Roar showed the two players meeting the squad and participating in shooting drills. Ramezanizadeh, 33, expressed gratitude on Instagram, writing, “Thank you for everything,” while 21-year-old Pasandideh posted a story alongside FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis, captioned, “everything will be fine.”

Meanwhile, the remaining members of the Iranian team who initially accepted asylum returned to Iran via Malaysia. They traveled from Kuala Lumpur International Airport on an Oman Air flight, although their exact destination in Iran was not specified.

Pasandideh and Ramezanizadeh now face an uncertain future as they work to rebuild their football careers far from home, while those who returned may encounter scrutiny from Iranian authorities over the anthem incident.