Two Iranian women footballers who sought asylum last month during the Asian Cup expressed on Friday that the assistance they received in Australia has instilled in them the hope of “living and competing in safety.”
Seven members from Iran’s delegation during the tournament sought refuge after being labelled “traitors” back home for declining to sing the national anthem in their opening match, which occurred shortly after conflict broke out in the Middle East.
Their request for protection created a significant embarrassment for Iran’s leadership, though it drew praise from US President Donald Trump. Ultimately, five of the athletes reconsidered and returned to Iran.
Only Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh opted to remain, despite allegations from activists that Iranian authorities pressured their families, including summoning their parents for questioning.
In a collective statement, the duo expressed gratitude to the Australian government for “offering us humanitarian protection and a safe haven in this beautiful country.”
“The kindness and support we have received during this difficult period has given us hope for a future in which we can live and compete without fear,” they remarked.
“We are truly touched by the warmth and generosity of the Iranian diaspora community here in Australia. Your backing has made us feel welcomed and less isolated as we navigate this transition.
“At this point, our main priority is our safety, our health, and starting the process of rebuilding our lives,” they added.
“As elite athletes, it is our aspiration to continue our sporting careers here in Australia. However, we are not ready to share our experiences publicly just yet.“
Following their request for asylum, the pair was seen smiling and training with the Australian team Brisbane Roar. Since then, they have not been in the public eye and are currently staying at a location that remains undisclosed.
The fate of the remaining team members after their return to Iran remains uncertain.
AFP journalists observed them re-entering their country from Turkey aboard a bus, dressed in their national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.
Shortly after their return, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated on X that the players and their support team are “children of the homeland, and the people of Iran embrace them.”
By coming back, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and resisted the deception and intimidation by enemies of Iran,” he further asserted.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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