World News
Iranian soccer players who gained Australian asylum confirm anthem silence was protest
Two athletes confirmed their March demonstration opposed Tehran, noting they were the only squad members who stayed.
The short version
- Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh confirmed their silence during Iran's national anthem at the Women's Asian Cup was an intentional protest against Tehran.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- The demonstration drew severe domestic backlash, with Iranian media labeling the players traitors following their opening match against South Korea.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Although seven team members initially accepted asylum offers from Australia, five reversed their decisions, leaving Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh as the only two who stayed.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Both athletes became Australian citizens in August and currently compete for a semi-professional club in Brisbane.[ABC News · Associated Press]
Key facts
- Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh confirmed their anthem silence at the Women's Asian Cup was a protest against Tehran in an interview broadcast on Australia's '60 Minutes'.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Iranian media branded the squad traitors after players remained silent during the anthem ahead of their March 2 match against South Korea.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke stated that no members of the team had received asylum offers at the time of the anthem protest.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Seven team members originally accepted asylum offers from Australia, but five changed their minds, leaving only Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh were granted Australian citizenship in August and currently play for the Wynnum Wolves in Brisbane.[ABC News · Associated Press]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Iranian soccer players who sought asylum in Australia say anthem silence was protest against TehranAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press
- Iranian soccer players who sought asylum in Australia say anthem silence was protestABC News - International