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Two Iranian female footballers, who decided to stay in Australia instead of returning to their home country amid conflict with the United States and Israel, were seen training with a club on Monday.
The Brisbane Roar posted photos on their Instagram account showing Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh with the professional club. It was their first public appearance since it emerged they were among the players granted asylum in the country.
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Iranian footballer Atefeh Ramezanisadeh kicks a ball during a Brisbane Roar club training session in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026. (Brisbane roars via AP)
Both players were seen smiling without wearing hijabs as they posed alongside members of the Roar.
“We remain committed to providing them with a supportive environment as they navigate their next steps,” Brisbane Roar CEO Kaz Patafta wrote in the social media post.
Ramezanisadeh commented: “Thank you for everything. »
The club plays in Australia’s elite women’s division of the A-League. The club denied further comment and referred all questions to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Brisbane last week offered Iranian women’s footballers a “place to train, play and belong”.
SOME IRANIAN FOOTBALL PLAYERS GAINED ASYLUM BY AUSTRALIA HAVE CHOSEN TO RETURN HOME, SAYS LOCAL OFFICIAL
Iranian footballer Fatemeh Pasandideh kicks a ball during a Brisbane Roar club training session in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026. (Brisbane roars via AP)
The Australian government offered asylum to every member of the Iranian women’s football team as they departed for Iran last week. The rush led to seven members of the team remaining in Australia. But at least five left the country and then returned to their club.
President Donald Trump was among world leaders who called on Australia to grant asylum to women.
At least one Iranian channel called the women “war traitors” because they did not appear to sing their national anthem before a Women’s Asian Cup match.
An Iranian official rejected suggestions that the women would not be safe if they returned home.
“Iran welcomes its children with open arms and the government guarantees their safety,” said Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref. “No one has the right to interfere in the family affairs of the Iranian nation and play the role of a nanny kinder than a mother.”
Iranian footballer Fatemeh Pasandideh, fourth from right in front row, and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, fourth from left in front row, pose for a photo with the Brisbane Roar women’s A-League team during a training session in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026. (Brisbane roars via AP)
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The rest of the team flew from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur and then on to Oman.
