Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh, former members of the Iranian national soccer team, have been granted Australian citizenship six months after they protested by refusing to sing their country's national anthem. The players, who sought asylum in Australia following the March 2 match against South Korea, have not contacted their former teammates or family in Iran due to fears of retribution.
"For security reasons over these past 6 months, we decided not to talk because I don't want to put their lives in danger," Pasandideh stated. She has lost contact with her father and brothers who remain in Iran, relying on indirect updates about their well-being.
The protest occurred amidst a period of significant unrest in Iran, with authorities reportedly having killed thousands of protesters. The team's silent demonstration led to them being labeled "wartime traitors" by a broadcaster in Iran. Initially, seven players sought asylum in Australia, but sustained pressure from Iran led all but Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh to return to the Middle East.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that Australian authorities were able to contact the women on March 8, after their final match. "There were the tiniest interactions with some of our officials where we just said, 'If you want to seek protection from Australia, we're open to have that conversation with you', and the seed was planted," Burke said. Immigration officials facilitated their asylum through a discreet midnight meeting at their Gold Coast hotel.
Ramezanisadeh described the period as one of immense stress and anxiety. "We were under so much stress. We didn't know if we were doing the right thing. We were terrified and anxious – it was a mix of feelings," she said. "And the night we made the decision, none of us slept until 5am."
Now citizens, both women express a profound sense of relief and safety. "It meant everything. Getting citizenship allow us to breathe and focus on our future," Ramezanisadeh said. "It gave us a feeling of safety. It was a really wonderful thing to happen." Pasandideh added, "I am so deeply grateful to be here. It feels like my home here. Iran remains in my heart but I truly love Australia. I want to be a useful person for Australia and be the best version of myself."
While building their new lives, the players are actively engaging with their new community. Pasandideh has been watching the children's cartoon "Bluey" to learn Australian slang, and Ramezanisadeh recently obtained her Australian driver's license. They are currently playing for the Brisbane-based soccer club Wynnum Wolves, with aspirations to return to professional play.
Rabieh Krayem, the president of Wynnum Wolves, has become a significant support figure for the athletes, whom Ramezanisadeh described as a "second father." Krayem expressed deep emotion upon learning this, stating, "I'm crying now. You know, I can understand missing her father and to be compared to someone's father - that's a lot to take on. If I can make her life a little bit easier, make both their lives easier, that's all I need."
Despite the challenges, Pasandideh remains hopeful for the future of her home country, remarking, "The only thing I believe is that brutality will never last forever."