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Iranian Soccer Players Who Sought Asylum in Australia Say Anthem Silence Was Protest Against Tehran
The players said their silence was a protest against Tehran’s crackdown, and seven team members later accepted Australia’s asylum offer.
- On Sunday, Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh confirmed on Australia's 60 Minutes that their silence during the national anthem at the Women's Asian Cup in March was a protest against Tehran.
- The athletes faced criticism in Iran, where media branded them traitors for remaining silent during their March 2 opening loss; Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh stated their refusal stood against Tehran's crackdown on nationwide demonstrations.
- Choosing to protest despite the risks, Ramezanisadeh said her silence 'could have meant any form of torture,' yet she rejected instructions from Iranian authorities to return home.
- President Donald Trump previously contacted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to advocate for the team; seven players initially sought refuge, but only Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh remained, becoming Australian citizens in August.
- Living in Brisbane, the pair now plays for the Wynnum Wolves; Pasandideh expressed hope for the future, stating one of her biggest dreams is to return to Iran when conditions change and the people are 'happy and thriving.
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Iranian soccer players who sought asylum in Australia say anthem silen
FILE - Fatemeh Pasandideh, left, and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, right, former members of the Iranian women's soccer team, stand with Australia's Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, after receiving their citizenship in Brisbane, Australia, on Aug. 5, 2026. (Department of Home Affairs via AP, File)
·Baltimore, United States
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Associated Press News+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
Iranian soccer players who sought asylum in Australia say anthem silence was protest against Tehran
Two members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who claimed asylum in Australia have confirmed their pivotal refusal to sing the national anthem during the Women’s Asian Cup in March was a protest against Tehran.
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left7Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution58% Left
Bias Distribution
- 58% of the sources lean Left
58% Left
L 58%
C 42%
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