Iran anthem protest: Female footballers ‘proud’ to become Australian

Two former Iranian female footballers say they are “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, who were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for protection from the host country following the high-profile protest during the Women’s Asian Cup in March.

With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by United States President Donald Trump, five of them later changed their minds and returned home.

“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.

“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh said.

A week after seeking asylum, the pair were pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated them.

“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesperson for the club said.

“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.