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The two Iranian footballers who remained in Australia amid the joint US and Israeli military campaign against Iran have spoken out publicly for the first time since accepting asylum, saying they intend to continue their professional careers “safely” there.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh released a joint statement thanking the Australian government for its support and offering them a “safe haven”.
Iranian footballer Fatemeh Pasandideh kicks a ball during a Brisbane Roar club training session in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026. (Brisbane Roar/AP)
“The compassion and support shown to us during this difficult time has given us hope for a future where we can live and compete safely,” the statement said, via the Australian Associated Press.
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“We are overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of the Iranian diaspora community in Australia. Your support has made us feel welcome and less alone as we navigate this transition,” the statement continued. “At this point, our priority is to focus on our safety, our health and begin the process of rebuilding our lives.
“We are elite athletes and our dream remains to continue our sporting careers here in Australia.”
The situation involving the Iranian women’s football team began after they arrived in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup in February. The team was already there when the United States launched a joint military operation with Israel against Iran.
Iranian footballer Atefeh Ramezanisadeh kicks a ball during a Brisbane Roar club training session in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026. (Brisbane Roar/AP)
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During the team’s opening match against South Korea, the team remained silent during the national anthem while Iranian head coach Marziyeh Jafari, also silent, smiled at his team. This silence was interpreted by some as an act of resistance. But in the next match against Australia and the subsequent match that led to their elimination, the team sang and saluted during the national anthem.
Concern for the team after the tournament prompted the Australian-Iranian Council to launch an online petition urging Australian authorities to “ensure that no member of the Iranian women’s national football team leaves Australia while credible fears for their safety remain”.
Iranian players during their national anthem before the Women’s Asian Cup soccer match between Iran and the Philippines in Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (Dave Hunt/AAPImage)
Seven women initially accepted the offer of asylum, before five of them changed their minds and said they would return to Iran.
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Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh said in their statement that they “are not yet ready to speak publicly about our experiences.”
“We respectfully ask that the media respect their privacy and space at this time. We will not be making any further comments or conducting interviews in the immediate future.”
Last month they were photographed at a training session with a professional club in Brisbane.
