Australia grants citizenship to 2 Iranian women’s football players who sought asylum
Two Iranian women's football players who sought asylum in Australia have been granted citizenship. The fast-tracked process may allow them to represent Australia in future football competitions.
Why it matters
This case highlights the intersection of asylum policy, humanitarian aid, and international sports eligibility.
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MELBOURNE, Australia: Two members of the Iranian women’s football team who claimed asylum in Australia in March have been granted citizenship.<br />
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh said in a statement Thursday that Immigration Minister Tony Burke swore them in the day before at a citizenship ceremony in their Australian home city of Brisbane.<br />
Friends and supporters from the local Iranian community attended the ceremony.<br />
“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen. Australia has given me the opportunity to build my life and my future, and I feel, more than ever, that I belong here,” Ramezanisadeh said in the statement.<br />
Ramezanisadeh said her Iranian roots and memories would always be part of her.<br />
Pasandideh said Wednesday had been “one of the happiest days of my life.”<br />
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