Iranian Footballers Granted Asylum Train with Brisbane Roar Amid Threats
In a significant development following the Women’s Asian Cup, the final two Iranian players seeking asylum in Australia have begun training with Brisbane Roar, as their teammates have now returned home. Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, aged 33, and Fatemeh Pasandideh, aged 21, were photographed with broad smiles during their training session with the A-League club, notably without wearing hijabs and in standard athletic attire.
The club warmly welcomed the duo, posting a series of images from the training session on social media, which quickly went viral and garnered widespread praise. Brisbane Roar CEO Kaz Patafta stated, "Welcome, Fatemeh and Atefeh. Today, Brisbane Roar officially welcomed both Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh to the club’s training facilities to take part in training with our A-League Women squad and remain committed to providing a supportive environment for them whilst they navigate the next stages."
Asylum Claims and Threats from Iran
This training comes amid a backdrop of intense pressure and threats from the Iranian regime. Recently, Iran captain Zahra Ghanbari became the fifth team member to withdraw her asylum claim and leave Australia, a move celebrated by the Iranian state news agency IRNA as a victory for the regime. However, reports indicate that players' families are being targeted, with claims that a staff member granted asylum was relaying threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Hadi Karimi, vice-president of the Iranian Society of Queensland, alleged that one player communicated her family had been kidnapped, stating, "We’re living in Australia, why should we allow the IRGC, these terrorists, to bring their law to our country? The girls were locked in the hotel, all Australians should know about this." Australia has designated the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Pressure on Families and Calls for Protection
Former Iranian soccer player Shiva Amini, now a human rights activist, reported receiving information that the Iranian Football Federation and IRGC placed "intense and systematic pressure" on the families of the players. This included targeting Ms. Ghanbari's family, with her father recently passing away. Amini wrote on social media, "This shows the level of cruelty and desperation they are willing to use to force these athletes to comply. Through the team’s manager, who presented herself as trustworthy, they persuaded some players to return due to unbearable threats against their families."
She emphasized the urgent need for support and protection for the team. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke previously noted that three members had decided to leave despite government efforts to ensure their safety. Initially, seven members, including six players and one support staff, were granted humanitarian visas to remain in Australia.
Government Response and Broader Context
Cabinet minister Catherine King acknowledged the difficult decisions faced by the players, telling ABC Radio, "They would have been facing enormous pressure from what was happening overseas, in their home country as well." This situation unfolds as conflicts in the Middle East widen, with intensified attacks on Iran by the US and Israel and retaliatory strikes targeting Gulf countries.
As the two remaining asylum seekers continue their training with Brisbane Roar, their journey highlights ongoing human rights concerns and the complex interplay of international politics affecting athletes seeking refuge.
