Two Iranian female footballers granted Australian citizenship after protest

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

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh sought asylum after the Asian Cup in March this year, due to fears of reprisal from the Iranian government.

They were among seven members of Iran's team to be granted humanitarian visas while in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup - but the other five changed their minds and returned home.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh refused to sing Iran anthem at Asian Cup, now granted Australia 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.