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Two Iranian footballers granted Australian citizenship

Two Iranian women footballers received Australian citizenship after seeking asylum following a protest at the Asian Cup in March.

·1 min read·3 outlets

The short version

Two Iranian women footballers were granted Australian citizenship after refusing to sing the national anthem during a match in March. The players sought asylum in Australia and were among seven to receive humanitarian visas.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were granted Australian citizenship after seeking asylum in the country.3,2,1 The two players were members of Iran’s national team during the Asian Cup in March 2026.3,1 They refused to sing Iran’s national anthem before a game, which led to condemnation in Iran.3

Both players were called traitors in Iran for their refusal to sing the anthem.3 They stated they were proud to have been granted Australian citizenship.3 The two were among seven Iranian footballers to receive humanitarian visas while in Australia.1

The other five players who received visas later returned to Iran.1 The players stayed in Australia after the Asian Cup concluded in March.3

Why it matters

  • The Asian Cup is a major international football tournament for Asian national teams, organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).3,1

  • Humanitarian visas are granted to individuals fleeing persecution or danger in their home countries, allowing them to stay in the granting nation.1

This account was written from the 3 reports listed below, filed by 3 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.

Well corroborated3 outlets
Left2Center1Right0

3 reports from 3 outlets. The numbers in the article point here.

Left-leaning2
Center1

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