# Two Iranian Footballers Granted Australian Citizenship After Seeking Asylum 2026-08-06T22:56:24+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Iranian footballers Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh have received Australian citizenship, months after seeking asylum in March. Immigration Minister Tony Burke administered their oath at a ceremony in Brisbane on Wednesday, according to both sources. Friends and members of the local Iranian community attended. The Refugee Council of Australia says refugees usually need four years on a valid Australian visa before applying for citizenship. The minister’s department declined to explain the women’s case, citing privacy rules. Both players joined Brisbane Roar after Iran withdrew from the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. They were among seven squad members who initially sought asylum, but five later returned to Iran’s team for undisclosed reasons. ## Coverage - english.mathrubhumi.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com Tags: asylum, Australia, citizenship, Iran, women's football Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/iranian-footballers-granted-australian-citizenship-after-seeking-asylum/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/iranian-footballers-granted-australian-citizenship-after-seeking-asylum/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.