Iranian soccer players who sought asylum in Australia say anthem silence was protest against Tehran
Summary
Two former Iranian women’s soccer players who sought asylum in Australia said their refusal to sing Iran’s national anthem at a tournament was a protest against the government’s harsh crackdown on protests in Iran. They have now stayed in Australia, received citizenship, and continue playing soccer there.Key Facts
- Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh refused to sing Iran’s national anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup in March 2026.
- Their silence was a protest against Tehran’s violent response to nationwide demonstrations in Iran.
- The Iranian media called the team traitors after the anthem silence.
- They fled Iran after the tournament and applied for asylum in Australia.
- Australian officials initially did not offer them asylum but later allowed seven team members to stay; only Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh remain in Australia.
- Both players now play for a semi-professional soccer team in Brisbane.
- They received Australian citizenship in August 2026.
- President Donald Trump supported their asylum request and discussed it with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
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