Iranian women soccer players granted asylum in Australia are pictured training in Brisbane

Two Iranian women soccer players who sought asylum in Australia have participated in a training session with Brisbane Roar, marking their first public appearance since their high-profile asylum case made international headlines.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were photographed wearing the club’s colors as they trained with the professional women’s team, which competes in Australia’s elite A-League Women competition. The club shared images on social media Monday showing the players smiling alongside team members.

“We remain committed to providing a supportive environment for them whilst they navigate the next stages,” Brisbane Roar CEO Kaz Patafta wrote in the social media post. Ramezanisadeh responded with a comment: “Thank you for everything.”

The club has declined further comment, referring inquiries to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs. Australian officials have confirmed the women are being housed in an undisclosed location for their safety while receiving government assistance.

This training session comes as the remainder of the Iranian women’s team has departed Malaysia for Oman, seemingly concluding a tumultuous episode that attracted global attention. The team had been in limbo since competing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, which coincided with the outbreak of war in Iran on February 28.

The team initially drew notice when several players remained silent during Iran’s national anthem before their first match. This gesture was interpreted by some as protest and by others as mourning, though the players themselves never publicly explained their actions. They subsequently sang the anthem before their remaining matches.

After Iran was eliminated from the tournament, concerns grew about the team’s return to their war-torn homeland. The Australian government subsequently offered humanitarian visas to the entire squad. Seven team members—six players and one staff member—initially accepted asylum, but five later changed their minds and rejoined their teammates in Malaysia.

No official explanation has been provided for these reversals, though Australian media has reported claims from Iranian community groups that the women may have faced pressure from Tehran to return.

The case has attracted significant diplomatic attention. Iranian officials have dismissed safety concerns, with First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stating: “Iran welcomes its children with open arms and the government guarantees their security. No one has the right to interfere in the family affairs of the Iranian nation and play the role of a nanny who is kinder than a mother.”

Meanwhile, Pasandideh posted a message on Instagram featuring herself with FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis, with the caption: “Everything will be fine.”

Windsor John, the Asian Football Confederation’s General Secretary, told The Associated Press that the Iranian embassy arranged the team’s departure from Malaysia. When questioned about the players’ safety upon return to Iran, he stated that both the AFC and FIFA would check on them regularly through the Iranian football federation, adding: “they are our girls as well.”

Brisbane Roar had previously announced its commitment to provide “a place to train, play and belong” for the two women who remained in Australia, offering them an opportunity to continue their soccer careers in a new country.