Two Iranian women soccer players who sought asylum in Australia have been granted citizenship. Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh said Thursday thety were sworn in by Immigration Minister Tony Burke in Brisbane the day before. Friends and supporters from the local Iranian community attended the ceremony. Ramezanisadeh expressed pride and gratitude for becoming an Australian citizen. Pasandideh described it as one of the happiest days of her life. The Refugee Council of Australia noted that citizenship usually requires four years on a valid visa. The women joined Brisbane Roar after Iran withdrew from the Women’s Asia Cup hosted by Australia.
Fatemeh Pasandideh, left, and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, former members of the Iranian women’s soccer team, stand with Australia's Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, after receiving their citizenship in Brisbane, Australia, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. (Department of Home Affairs via AP)
Iran women's soccer player Fatemeh Pasandideh salutes during the national anthem of Iran prior to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match against the Philippines at Gold Coast Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (Dave Hunt/AAP Image via AP)
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