# Two Iranian women footballers granted Australian citizenship after protest

https://mins.news/en/item/15219

- The Guardian, 2026-08-06 13:38 UTC
- Sports
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/06/two-iranian-female-footballers-australian-citizenship-protest

> Former Iranian footballers Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh say they are “proud” to have received Australian citizenship. They were branded traitors in Iran after refusing to sing the national anthem before a match. The pair remained in Australia following the women’s Asian Cup in March. They were among seven people from Iran’s delegation who sought Australia’s protection after the protest.

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