Sydney, March 17 - Two players from Iran’s women’s national football delegation who chose to remain in Australia after seeking asylum have been shown taking part in training with a local A-League club as they begin settling into life in the country.
Midfielder Fatemeh Pasandideh and defender Atefeh Ramezanizadeh were photographed at a session with the Brisbane Roar women’s team on Monday after being among seven members of Iran’s delegation granted humanitarian visas. The visas were issued amid concerns the players could face persecution if they returned home following their participation in the women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
Concerns about the players’ safety intensified after Pasandideh and Ramezanizadeh did not sing their national anthem before Iran’s opening match, held on the Gold Coast in Queensland. Iranian state media branded the athletes "wartime traitors" in response, with the team’s tournament campaign coinciding with U.S. and Israel air strikes on Iran.
While the humanitarian visas were extended to seven delegation members, five later decided not to remain in Australia and returned to Iran. The two who stayed - Pasandideh, 21, and Ramezanizadeh, 33 - have moved forward with training opportunities in Queensland.
Photos posted by Brisbane Roar on social media showed the two players meeting the squad and participating in shooting drills on the club’s training ground. The club’s statement included a message from CEO Kaz Patafta: "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."
Ramezanizadeh commented on the club’s post on Instagram, writing "Thank you for everything." Pasandideh also posted on her Instagram story a photograph with FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis taken in Brisbane, accompanied by the caption "everything will be fine."
As the two players begin their new chapter in Australia, the remainder of the team was observed travelling from Malaysia back toward Iran. The delegation was seen at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Monday evening checking in on an Oman Air flight, though their ultimate destination was not specified in accompanying information.
The situation illustrates the immediate personal and logistical consequences for athletes who seek protection while competing abroad, and highlights how national and international sporting events can intersect with political tensions and security concerns.