Two Iranian footballers staying in Australia after the Asian Cup say they want to rebuild lives in ‘safety’.
Published on 17 April 2026
Iranian female soccer players Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramazanisadeh have thanked the Australian government for offering them “safe haven” and said they want to resume their playing careers after rebuilding their lives.
In their first public comments since being granted humanitarian visas, the players said in a statement Friday that the compassion and support shown toward them has given them hope for a future where they can live and compete in safety.
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“We would like to express our deep gratitude to the Australian Government, and in particular Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, for providing us with humanitarian protection and safe haven in this beautiful country,” he said.
Australia initially granted humanitarian visas to six Iranian team players and one support staff member as the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran as the Asian Cup campaign began in Australia.
Five of the group later changed their minds and decided to return home, leaving only Pasandideh and Ramadanisadeh in Australia.
The duo began training with 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,” he said.
“We are elite athletes, and it is our dream to continue our sporting careers here in Australia.”
Concerns over the safety of Iranian players were raised after several players did not sing the national anthem at an Asian Cup match, and Iranian state TV branded them “wartime traitors”.
The rest of the team arrived home in Iran via the Turkish border last month after an arduous return journey from Australia.
