Two Iranian women footballers, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, say they are “proud” to become Australian citizens following an anthem protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March. Both players were part of an Iran delegation of seven who later sought Australia’s protection after their refusal to sing the Iranian national anthem became a high-profile issue at the tournament. According to reports, the pair had declined to perform the anthem during the Asian Cup, which drew public attention and prompted their subsequent request for protection. Their citizenship process is reported to have been completed, with both describing their new status as a positive outcome. The accounts present the same core sequence: the anthem refusal at the Asian Cup, a group request for protection by members of the Iranian delegation, and Australia granting the athletes citizenship thereafter. The reports do not add conflicting details on the individuals’ identities, the timing of the Asian Cup protest, or the basis of the move to seek protection.
Iranian female footballers become Australian citizens after Asian Cup anthem protest
Two Iranian women footballers, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, say they are “proud” to become Australian citizens following an anthem protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March. Both p...
- Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh are Iranian female footballers.
- They refused to sing the Iranian national anthem during the women’s Asian Cup in March.
- Both were part of an Iranian delegation of seven that sought Australia’s protection after the protest.
- Reports say Australia grants them citizenship.
- They describe their Australian citizenship as a source of pride.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh refused to sing Iran anthem at Asian Cup, now granted Australia citizenship.
3 hours agoFatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran's delegation who asked for Australia's protection following the high-profile protest during the women's Asian Cup in March.
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