Australian citizenship for 2 Iranian women soccer players who sought asylum

Fatemeh Pasandideh, left, and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, former members of the Iranian women’s soccer team, stand with Australia's Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, after receiving their citizenship in Brisbane, Australia, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. (Department of Home Affairs via AP) Two members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who claimed asylum in Australia in March have been granted citizenship. 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.Friends and supporters from the local Iranian community attended the ceremony. “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. Ramezanisadeh said her Iranian roots and memories would always be part of her.Pasandideh said Wednesday had been “one of the happiest days of my life.” “I’m incredibly proud and grateful to officially become an Australian citiz...