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last mo.

Two Iranian Footballers Thank Australia, Plan Careers in Safe Haven

Their first public statement signals a careful restart after several teammates withdrew asylum bids before returning to Iran.

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Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke poses with Fatemeh Pasandideh, Mona Hamoudi, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh, Zahra Ghanbari and Zahra Sarbali, the five women from the Iranian women’s soccer team who were granted humanitarian visas, in Queensland, Australia, March 9, 2026. @Tony_Burke on X/Handout via REUTERS
Iran's team pose for a group photo during the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia
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Overview

  • The players, who issued a joint statement Friday, thanked Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke for humanitarian protection and said they aim to rebuild their lives and keep playing in Australia.
  • Australia granted visas to seven members of Iran’s Asian Cup delegation, but five later rescinded their claims and returned via Turkey, with their status back home still unclear.
  • Safety fears rose after several players stayed silent for the anthem on March 2 and state TV labeled them “wartime traitors,” raising concerns about punishment if they went back.
  • Brisbane Roar in the A-League Women invited the pair to train and said the club would provide a supportive setting as they settle in and work toward continuing their careers.
  • Rights groups report pressure on families of those who sought protection and outlets cited claims of team monitoring in Australia, while Iranian officials criticized Canberra and disputed accounts of coercion.