Two Iranian women footballers sworn in as Australian citizens

Two Iranian women footballers who sought asylum in Australia over fears for their safety if they returned home have been granted Australian citizenship.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh received their citizenship certificates from Immigration Minister Tony Burke at a ceremony in Brisbane, describing the moment as one of the most significant and emotional milestones of their lives.

In a joint statement, Ramezanisadeh said Australia had given her the chance to build a new life and future, for which she was deeply grateful, adding that her Iranian roots and memories would always remain an inseparable part of her identity. Pasandideh called the recognition one of the happiest moments of her life after a long stretch of struggle and uncertainty.

The speed of their citizenship process has drawn attention in Australia, though the immigration department has declined to comment, citing privacy. Under normal rules, refugees become eligible to apply for citizenship after four years of residency on a valid visa, though legal provisions allow that timeline to be shortened in exceptional circumstances.

Analysts suggest the prospect of the pair eventually representing Australia in international football may have factored into the accelerated process.

The two players joined Australian club Brisbane Roar and were granted asylum there after Iran's women's team withdrew from the Asian Cup. Seven Iranian players initially sought asylum at the time, though five later returned home.

Concerns over the safety of those who stayed intensified after they declined to sing the national anthem and were subsequently branded "wartime traitors" by an Iranian television commentator — a controversy that drew international attention, with then-US President Donald Trump publicly voicing support for their asylum bid.