Two members of the Iranian women’s football team who chose to stay in Australia following the Women’s Asian Cup are now embarking on new lives away from media attention, while still aspiring to return to professional football.
On Friday, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh released a statement requesting “privacy and space” as they adjust to their new circumstances.
It has been five weeks since a group of six players and one staff member sought asylum in Australia. Afterward, five individuals returned to Iran, leaving Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh behind.
This statement was disseminated by Brisbane Roar, which extended an invitation for the players to train with them last month.
Kaz Patafta, the chief executive of Roar, emphasized that the club’s intention was to create a supportive environment for the players during this transitional period rather than to secure them as signed players. The club is now directing inquiries regarding the athletes to their public relations agency.
In their statement, the two players expressed their appreciation to the Australian government for providing “humanitarian protection and a safe haven in this beautiful country.”
The Iranian women’s football team faced backlash in Iran after they chose not to sing the national anthem prior to their first match at the Asian Cup, raising concerns for their safety upon returning home.
This incident sparked significant support from the Iranian community in Australia, who gathered at the team’s hotel in Queensland, even obstructing the team bus’s departure at one point.
Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh acknowledged the solidarity they have received from the Iranian diaspora.
Interest in the players’ situation was reignited this week when their former teammate and captain, Zahra Ghanbari, had her assets frozen by Iranian authorities and was labeled a “traitor.”
Her assets were reportedly released this week after a declaration of innocence following a change in her behavior.
