Iranian women footballers Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh have announced they have found a 'safe haven' in Australia after being granted humanitarian visas by the Australian government. In their first public comments since Friday, they expressed deep gratitude to the Australian government, particularly Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, for providing humanitarian protection and hope for a future where they can live and compete in safety.

Australia initially granted humanitarian visas to six players and one support staff member from the Iranian squad after their Asian Cup campaign in Australia began just as the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iran. Five of the group subsequently changed their minds and decided to return home, leaving only Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh in Australia.

The duo began training with the A-League Women’s team Brisbane Roar last month. They stated that at this stage, their primary focus is on safety, health, and beginning the process of rebuilding their lives, but as elite athletes, it remains their dream to continue their sporting careers in Australia.

Concerns over the Iranian players’ safety surfaced after several players did not sing the national anthem at an Asian Cup match, with Iranian state TV labelling them 'wartime traitors'. The rest of the team arrived home in Iran last month via the Turkish border after a fraught return journey from Australia.

Source: www.aljazeera.com