Only two left! Starting a new life with Brisbane Roar Club, the Australian Football Association posted a welcome message while some Iranian refugee players changed their minds and returned to their country.
Two Iranian refugee players in Australia have begun new lives with Brisbane Roar, while five of their teammates have changed their minds and returned home.
Brisbane Roar, a leading club in the A-League Women, along with the Australian Football Association and FIFA, officially welcomed Fatemeh Pazandideh and Atefeh Ramezanizadeh into the football family, allowing them to train with the senior team as they start their new lives.
Revisiting the catalyst during the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia, the Iranian women's national team players and staff decided to symbolically protest by not singing the national anthem to support the call for women's rights in their homeland, which is facing severe conflict.
This act led to heavy attacks from Iranian government media branding them as 'traitors,' potentially leading to harsh punishment if they returned home. As a result, seven team members immediately applied for asylum with the Australian government after the tournament.
Although seven initially filed for asylum, only Fatemeh and Atefeh appeared at Brisbane Roar's training camp in the end.
Reports indicate that during the asylum process, five teammates and staff faced intense pressure from their families, leading them to withdraw their applications and agree to return to Iran.
Currently, the two are protected and supported as training players with Brisbane Roar, with the club assuring they will provide the most supportive and safe environment to help them focus on football, their last hope.
The Australian Football Association warmly welcomed them, stating, 'Welcome Fatemeh and Atefeh to the Australian football family. We are fully committed to supporting their new journey.'