Two players from the Iranian women’s national soccer team who sought political asylum in Australia in March have received Australian citizenship.
The two, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, announced Thursday in a statement that Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke had sworn them in the previous day at a citizenship ceremony held in their city of residence, Brisbane, the Associated Press first reported. Friends and supporters from the local Iranian community also attended the ceremony.
The two joined the Brisbane Roar soccer club after receiving political asylum while they were in the country with Iran’s national team during the Women’s Asian Cup. Concerns for the players’ safety grew after they refused to sing the Iranian anthem before the first match of the tournament. Of the seven players who fled the team hotel, only two remained in Australia; the rest returned to their homeland.
“Only yesterday I went through a special and unforgettable day. I am proud and full of gratitude to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said. “Australia has given me the opportunity to build my life and my future, and today, more than ever, I feel this is the place where I belong.” Still, she stressed that her Iranian roots and memories of her homeland will always accompany her.
Iranian national team players in the Women's Asian Cup
(Photo: Izhar Khan/ AFP)
Iranian national team players are declared traitors after refusing to sing the anthem.
And are offered asylum
Pasandideh also described the day she received citizenship as “one of the happiest days of my life.” She said, “I am proud and excited to officially become an Australian citizen. After everything we went through and all the challenges we had to face, this moment means more to me than words can describe.”
The Refugee Council of Australia noted that refugees are usually required to live in the country for four years with a valid visa before they can apply for citizenship. Under Australian law, the process may have been expedited to allow the two to become eligible to represent Australia’s national soccer team.