
Moyes inspiring Everton's push for Europe ahead of first Hill Dickinson derby
David Moyes inspires Everton's push for Europe ahead of the Hill Dickinson derby.
Iranian women football players Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh thanked the Australian government for granting them humanitarian visas, providing a safe haven to rebuild their lives and careers.
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Iran player Fatemeh Pasandideh salutes during the national anthem prior to a 2026 AFC Womenâs Asian Cup game [Dave Hunt/EPA]
Iranian women âfootball players Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh have thanked the â Australian government â for offering a âsafe havenâ and said they wished to resume their sporting careers after rebuilding their â lives.
In their first public comments since being granted humanitarian visas, the players said in a statement on Friday the compassion and support â shown to them had provided them hope for a future where they could live and compete in safety.
âWe wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Australian government, and particularly Home Affairs Minister âTony Burke, for granting us humanitarian protection and a safe haven in this beautiful country,â they said.
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 â air strikes on Iran.
Five of the group subsequently â changed their minds and decided to return home, leaving only Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh in Australia.
The duo began training with the A-League Womenâs team Brisbane Roar last month.
âAt â this stage, our primary focus is on our safety, our health and beginning the process â of rebuilding our lives,â they said.
âWe are â elite athletes, and it remains our dream to continue our sporting careers here in Australia.â
Concerns over the Iranian playersâ safety surfaced after several players did not âsing the national anthem at an Asian Cup match, with Iranian state TV labelling them âwartime traitorsâ.
The rest of the team arrived âhome âin Iran last month via the Turkish border after a fraught return journey from Australia.
They expressed gratitude for being granted humanitarian visas, which provided them a safe haven to rebuild their lives and continue their sporting careers.
The Australian government granted humanitarian protection to the players, allowing them to live and compete safely in Australia.
The players are Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, who publicly thanked the Australian government for their support.

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