Two Iranian girls’s nationwide soccer workforce gamers, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, have chosen to stay in Australia after in search of asylum. They arrived in late February for the AFC Ladies’s Asian Cup and declined to sing the nationwide anthem earlier than a match in opposition to South Korea on the Gold Coast.
Choice to Search Safety
Iranian state media labeled the gamers as ‘traitors’ amid escalating tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Dwelling Affairs Minister Tony Burke supplied humanitarian visas to seven delegation members earlier than their departure. Whereas most returned house, Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed to construct new lives.
Pasandideh has skilled with Brisbane Roar FC’s A-League Ladies’s squad, signaling their intent to pursue skilled careers regionally.
Joint Assertion of Thanks
In a joint assertion, the gamers expressed profound appreciation to the Australian authorities and Minister Tony Burke. “We want to categorical our deepest gratitude to the Australian Authorities, and significantly Dwelling Affairs Minister Tony Burke, for granting us humanitarian safety and a secure haven on this lovely nation,” they mentioned.
They highlighted the assist from Dwelling Affairs officers and the Iranian diaspora neighborhood. “We’re overwhelmed by the heat and generosity of the Iranian diaspora neighborhood in Australia,” the assertion continued. “Your assist has made us really feel welcome and fewer alone as we navigate this transition.”
Deal with Future and Privateness
The athletes emphasised rebuilding their lives, prioritizing security and well being. As elite opponents, they aspire to proceed within the A-League Ladies’s competitors, although securing contracts will depend on alternatives forward.
They requested privateness to regulate. “We respectfully ask the media for privateness and area at the moment,” the assertion concluded. “We won’t be making any additional feedback or conducting interviews within the quick future.”
