Two Iranian footballers granted Australian citizenship
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
- More on
- Immigration
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.
Comments
0Comments are screened automatically. Disagreement is welcome; abuse and spam are not.
Loading…
Related
US considers using "Mother of All Bombs" on Iran
The U.S. military has drafted strike plans that could include the GBU‑43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, while President Trump has questioned the identity of Iran negotiators.
Two ships sink after projectile strikes in Strait of Hormuz
The sinkings followed separate projectile strikes, one killing a crew member, and come amid a sharp rise in Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.
MI5 chief warns UK of rising threats from Iran, Russia and AI
The speech highlighted Iran's shift to target military sites, Russia's hybrid campaigns, and the growing use of artificial intelligence by terrorists.
Saudi Arabia Faces Escalating Houthi Threat After Red Sea Drone Attacks
The conflict has drawn international attention, with the UN warning of a humanitarian crisis in Yemen and analysts noting the strategic importance of the Red Sea straits for global oil flows.