Two Iranian Football Players Granted Australian Citizenship

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were part of a group of seven players who refused to sing the Iranian national anthem during the tournament. They stayed in Australia rather than returning to Iran following the outbreak of war. Interior Minister Tony Burke presented them with their citizenship.

While five players eventually returned to Iran, the duo remained. Human rights groups have accused the Iranian regime of pressuring the others to return with threats against their families. Australia implemented a temporary travel ban on Iranians shortly after the incident to prevent similar departures. sport-tr.bet