Members of the Iranian national women’s soccer team were warmly received in their home country after some players sought asylum in Australia. Midfielder Fatemeh Shaban expressed happiness to be back in Iran, calling it their homeland. Upon their return to Tehran, the crowd welcomed them with waving flags, flowers, and mini-soccer balls. It was a surprise for Shaban to see so many people welcoming them, and she emphasized her pride in being Iranian.
Two players, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, decided to stay in Australia and are now training with the Brisbane Roar club. Other team members initially sought asylum but later decided to return to Iran after the Women’s Asian Cup. The team had traveled to Australia for the tournament just before the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28.
During the Asian Cup, some players attracted attention for their silence during Iran’s national anthem, interpreted by some as a form of protest or resistance. However, they sang the anthem in the following matches. Iranian first Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref assured the safety of the players upon their return to Iran, stating that the government guarantees their security.