Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection

The two Iran footballers who stayed in Australia following the Asian Cup say they want to rebuild lives in ‘safety’.

Iranian women ‌football players Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh have thanked the ⁠Australian government ⁠for offering a “safe haven” and said they wished to resume their sporting careers after rebuilding their ⁠lives.

In their first public comments since being granted humanitarian visas, the players said in a statement on Friday the compassion and support ⁠shown to them had provided them hope for a future where they could live and compete in safety.

Australia initially granted humanitarian visas to six players and one support staff member from the Iranian squad after their Asian Cup campaign in Australia began just as the United States and Israel launched ⁠air strikes on Iran.

The duo began training with the A-League Women’s team Brisbane Roar last month.

“At ⁠this stage, our primary focus is on our safety, our health and beginning the process ⁠of rebuilding our lives,” they said.

“We are ⁠elite athletes, and it remains our dream to continue our sporting careers here in Australia.”
Concerns over the Iranian players’ safety surfaced after several players did not ‌sing the national anthem at an Asian Cup match, with Iranian state TV labelling them “wartime traitors”.