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The two Iranian women’s soccer players, who remained in Australia amid a joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, have spoken publicly for the first time since accepting asylum, saying they intend to continue their professional careers “in safety” there.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh released a joint statement thanking the Australian government for its support and giving them “safe haven”.
Iranian soccer player Fatemeh Pasandideh kicks a ball at a Brisbane Roar club training session in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026. (Brisbane Roar/AP)
“The compassion and support shown to us during this challenging time has given us hope for a future where we can live and compete in safety,” the statement read via Australian Associated Press.
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“We are overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of the Iranian diaspora community in Australia. Your support has made us feel welcome and less alone as we navigate this transition,” the statement continued. “At this stage our primary focus is on our safety, our health and beginning the process of rebuilding our lives.
“We are elite athletes and it remains our dream to continue our sporting careers here in Australia.”
The situation with the Iranian women’s soccer team began after the team arrived in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup in February. The team was already there when the US launched a joint military operation with Israel against Iran.
Iranian soccer player Atefeh Ramezanisadeh kicks a ball at a Brisbane Roar club training session in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026. (Brisbane Roar/AP)
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In the team’s opening match against South Korea, the squad stood silent during the national anthem as Iranian head coach Marziyeh Jafari, also silent, smiled at his team. The silence was interpreted by some as an act of resistance. However, in the subsequent match against Australia and the subsequent match that led to their elimination, the team sang along and saluted during the national anthem.
Concern for the team after the tournament prompted the Australian Iranian Council to launch an online petition calling on Australian authorities to “ensure that no member of the Iran women’s national football team leaves Australia while there remains a credible fear for their safety.”
Iran players during their national anthem ahead of the Women’s Asian Cup soccer match between Iran and the Philippines in Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (Dave Hunt/AAPImage)
Seven women initially accepted the asylum offer, before five changed their minds and said they wanted to return to Iran.
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Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh said in their statement that they are “not yet ready to speak publicly about our experiences.”
“We respectfully ask the media for privacy and space at this time. We will not be making further comments or conducting interviews in the immediate future.”
Last month they were pictured at a training session with a professional club in Brisbane.
