Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were sworn in as citizens in Brisbane this week; They will play for the Brisbane Roar after receiving political asylum while they were in the country during the Women’s Asian Cup and refused to sing their national anthemynet|The two, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, announced Thursday in a statement that Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke had sworn them in the previous day at a citizenship ceremony held in their city of residence, Brisbane, the Associated Press first reported. Friends and supporters from the local Iranian community also attended the ceremony.Gallery Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, right, and Fatemeh Pasandideh(Photos: Brisbane Roar FC / AFP)“Only yesterday I went through a special and unforgettable day. I am proud and full of gratitude to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said. “Australia has given me the opportunity to build my life and my future, and today, more than ever, I feel this is the place where I belong.” Still, she stressed that her Iranian roots and memories of her homeland will always accompany her.Iranian national team players in the Women's Asian Cup(Photo: Izhar Khan/ AFP)Iranian national team players are declared traitors after refusing to sing the anthem.The Iranian women's football (Soccer ) team was declared "wartime traitors" by government TV after they refused to sing the anthem at the Asian Women's Cup in Australia. They requested temporary asylum from the Australian government due to the grave danger of returning to Iran.… pic.twitter.com/TbzYQTYaal— श्रवण बिश्नोई (किसान/ Hindus) (@SKBishnoi29Rule) March 9, 2026 And are offered asylumLast night I was able to tell five women from the Iranian Women’s Soccer team that they are welcome to stay in Australia, to be safe and have a home here. pic.twitter.com/2JQp9q9Z8W— Tony Burke (@Tony_Burke) March 9, 2026 Pasandideh also described the day she received citizenship as “one of the happiest days of my life.” She said, “I am proud and excited to officially become an Australian citizen. After everything we went through and all the challenges we had to face, this moment means more to me than words can describe.”The Refugee Council of Australia noted that refugees are usually required to live in the country for four years with a valid visa before they can apply for citizenship. Under Australian law, the process may have been expedited to allow the two to become eligible to represent Australia’s national soccer team.