Two former Iranian women's footballers, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, expressed pride in being granted Australian citizenship, after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a match.
The citizenship ceremony took place on Wednesday, presided over by Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. Both were among seven members of the Iranian delegation who sought protection from the host nation following a protest that drew attention at the Women's Asian Cup in March.
Their request for protection was a source of embarrassment for Iranian authorities but was praised by US President Donald Trump. However, the other five members of the group changed their minds and returned home.
"Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and immensely grateful to become an Australian citizen," Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.
"After everything we have been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than any words can describe," Pasandideh shared.
A week after seeking asylum, the duo were photographed smiling and training with Brisbane Roar club in Australia, and the team sent their congratulations on Wednesday.
"What they have been through since February is more than most people face in a lifetime," a club spokesperson said, adding: "Seeing them achieve this, everyone at Brisbane Roar is glad to have played a small part. Queensland is now their home. If they want to put on training kit and come back to us, the door will always be open."
The fate of the remaining members of the Iranian squad after their return home remains unclear. AFP reporters saw them crossing the border from Turkey by bus, wearing national team uniforms and with their hair fully covered.
Shortly after, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on social media platform X that the players and support staff were "children of the homeland, and the Iranian people embrace them." He added that their return had "disappointed Iran's enemies and did not succumb to the deception and threats of anti-Iran elements."
