Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, Fatemeh Pasandideh and the Australian government
Wednesday
Iranian footballers Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh have received Australian citizenship five months after refusing to return to Iran. They were among seven travelling-party members who initially sought permanent asylum following a tournament in Australia.
Five members later returned home, while Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh remained and trained with Brisbane Roar. Their citizenship now provides legal safety and a new future after the Iranian team faced political scrutiny during the competition.