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The two Iranian footballers who remained in Australia amid the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran have spoken publicly for the first time since accepting asylum, saying they intend to continue their professional careers “safely” there.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh issued a joint statement thanking the Australian government for its support and providing them with a “safe haven”.
Iranian soccer player Fatemeh Pasandideh kicks a ball during a training session for the Brisbane Roar club in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026. (Brisbane Roar/AP)
“The compassion and support shown to us during this difficult time has given us hope for a future in which we can live and compete safely,” the statement read, via Australian Associated Press.
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“We are overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of the Iranian diaspora community in Australia. Their support has made us feel welcome and less alone as we navigate this transition,” the statement continued. “At this stage, our main focus is on our safety, our health and beginning the process of rebuilding our lives.
“We are elite athletes and our dream remains to continue our sporting careers here in Australia.”
The situation involving the Iranian women’s soccer team began after the team arrived in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup in February. The team was already there when the United States launched a joint military operation with Israel against Iran.
Iranian footballer Atefeh Ramezanisadeh kicks a ball during a training session for the Brisbane Roar club in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026. (Brisbane Roar/AP)
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In the team’s opening match against South Korea, the team remained silent during the national anthem as Iranian coach Marziyeh Jafari, also silent, smiled at her team. The silence was interpreted by some as an act of resistance. But in the following match against Australia and the subsequent match that led to their elimination, the team sang and saluted during the national anthem.
Concern for the team after the tournament led the Australian Iranian Council to launch an online petition urging Australian authorities to “ensure that no member of the Iran women’s national football team leaves Australia while credible fears remain for their safety.”
Iran’s players during their national anthem before the Women’s Asian Cup soccer match between Iran and the Philippines in Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (Dave Hunt/AAPImage)
Seven women initially accepted the asylum offer before five changed their minds and said they would return to Iran.
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Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh said in their statement that they are “not yet prepared to speak publicly about our experiences.”
“We respectfully ask the media for privacy and space at this time. We will not be making any further comments or conducting interviews for the foreseeable future.”
Last month, they were photographed at a practice session with a professional club in Brisbane.
