Sport

Two Iranian footballers granted Australian citizenship after refusing to sing national anthem

Herz — Sport Desk · 6 August 2026 at 08:47 · 30s summary · 1 min read

The essentials

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, two former Iranian footballers, have been granted Australian citizenship. As part of a seven-person Iranian delegation, they sought asylum in Australia after refusing to sing the Iranian national anthem during their opening match at the AFC Women's Asian Cup in March. Both women expressed pride and deep gratitude for their new citizenship, according to Le Monde on August 6, 2026.

Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh granted Australian citizenship
They refused to sing Iranian national anthem at AFC Women's Asian Cup in March
Seven members of Iranian delegation sought asylum in Australia
Both women expressed pride and deep gratitude for new citizenship

What we know

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, two former Iranian footballers, have been granted Australian citizenship, according to Le Monde on August 6, 2026. Both women expressed pride and deep gratitude for their new citizenship.

In March, the two players were part of a seven-person Iranian delegation that all refused to sing the Iranian national anthem during their opening match at the AFC Women's Asian Cup—the most prestigious international women's football competition in Asia, held biennially by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)—before seeking asylum in Australia.

What remains unclear

The status of the five other members of the Iranian delegation who sought asylum in March has not been specified in available reports.

Who are Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh?

They are two former players from Iran's national women's football team, now Australian citizens after seeking asylum.

Why did these footballers seek asylum in Australia?

In March, during the opening match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup, they refused to sing the Iranian national anthem along with five other delegation members. All seven subsequently sought asylum in Australia.

What is the AFC Women's Asian Cup?

It is the most prestigious international women's football competition in Asia, held biennially by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). It also serves to determine Asia's representatives for the FIFA Women's World Cup.