Iran women footballers granted Australian citizenship: 'This represents hope and safety'

Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, 34, and Fatemeh Pasandideh, 22, were naturalised in Brisbane, Queensland, after refusing to return to Iran.

Iran players stayed in country after Asian Cup in March Duo condemned as traitors in Iran for not singing anthem Two former Iranian footballers said on Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being called traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game. Fat

The two female footballers sought asylum in Australia earlier this year and have now been granted citizenship

With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran's leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.

An immigration lawyer says many Iranian men in Canada are facing deportation for having formerly served in the Iranian military as a conscript.