
Sources: Collier back to Lynx on supermax deal
Napheesa Collier signs supermax contract to return to the Lynx

Two Iranian footballers, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, have been granted asylum in Australia after the Women's Asian Cup. They aim to rebuild their lives while pursuing their sporting dreams.
Mentioned in this story
The two members of the Iran football team who remained in Australia after the Womenâs Asian Cup are beginning their new lives away from the spotlight, even if their dream is to return to elite football.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh issued a statement on Friday saying they ârespectfully askâ for âprivacy and spaceâ.
It has been five weeks since a group of six players and one staff member were granted asylum in Australia, before five of the group returned to Iran leaving two â Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh â behind.
âAt this stage, our primary focus is on our safety, our health and beginning the process of rebuilding our lives,â they said.
âWe are elite athletes, and it remains our dream to continue our sporting careers here in Australia. However, we are not yet ready to speak publicly about our experiences.â
The statement was shared by Brisbane Roar, who had invited the players to train with the A-Leagues club last month.
At the time, Roar chief executive, Kaz Patafta, said the offer was about âproviding a supportive environment for them whilst they navigate the next stagesâ.
The club has maintained its involvement was simply to offer a comfortable place for Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh to play football rather than seek to sign them to playing contracts, and is now directing inquiries about the players to their public relations firm.
The pair expressed gratitude to the Australian government for âgranting us humanitarian protection and a safe haven in this beautiful country.â
âThe compassion and support shown to us during this challenging time has provided us with hope for a future where we can live and compete in safety,â they said. âWe also thank the dedicated Home AïŹairs staïŹ who have supported us in recent weeks.
The Iranian womenâs football team found themselves subject to criticism in Iran when they did not sing the national anthem before their first match at the Asian Cup, and there were fears for their safety when they returned home.
The situation triggered an outpouring of support for the players, led by the Iranian community in Australia, who attended the teamâs Queensland hotel and at one stage blocked the departure of the teamâs bus.
The Iranian footballers sought asylum in Australia due to safety concerns and the political situation in Iran.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh plan to focus on their safety and health while pursuing their dreams of continuing their sporting careers in Australia.
Out of a group of seven, only two members of the Iranian football team, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, remained in Australia after the Women's Asian Cup.

Napheesa Collier signs supermax contract to return to the Lynx

NWSL Board to Decide on Major Calendar Change This Month
Napheesa Collier agrees to $1.4M contract with Minnesota Lynx!

Baltimore Ravens unveil new uniforms, including a striking black helmet!

Chris Paul shares meme mocking Clippers after their season-ending loss
Real Madrid faces backlash after Champions League elimination by Bayern Munich.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh acknowledged the help they have received from the Iranian community.
âWe are overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of the Iranian diaspora community in Australia,â they said. âYour support has made us feel welcome and less alone as we navigate this transition.â
Interest in the playersâ welfare was rekindled this week when their former teammate and captain, Zahra Ghanbari, had her assets frozen by Iranian officials and she was dubbed a âtraitorâ.
The assets were released this week reportedly after âa declaration of innocence following her change in behaviourâ.