Story perspectives

Australia Grants Citizenship to Iranian Ex-Players After Anthem Protest

9/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Australia granted citizenship in August to former Iranian players Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh.
They refused to sing Iran’s anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup opening on March 2, protesting Tehran.
Iranian media labeled them traitors and asylum protests erupted before March 10.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged asylum on social media and called Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Anthony Albanese said four players and a manager accepted humanitarian visas, though most later withdrew.

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Story summary

Australia granted citizenship in August to former Iranian players Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh.
They refused to sing Iran’s anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup opening on March 2, protesting Tehran.
Iranian media labeled them traitors and asylum protests erupted before March 10.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged asylum on social media and called Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Anthony Albanese said four players and a manager accepted humanitarian visas, though most later withdrew.