Two members of Iran's women's national football team who sought asylum in Australia earlier this year have officially become Australian citizens, marking a new chapter after fleeing their home country.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were sworn in by Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke at a citizenship ceremony in Brisbane on Wednesday, according to a joint statement released on Thursday.
The ceremony was attended by friends and members of Brisbane's Iranian community.
"Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me," Ramezanisadeh said, adding that Australia had given her the opportunity to build a new life while her Iranian roots would always remain part of her identity.
Pasandideh described the occasion as "one of the happiest days of my life," saying the milestone followed months of hardship and uncertainty.
Citizenship follows asylum
The pair joined Brisbane Roar after being granted asylum when Iran withdrew from the Women's Asia Cup hosted by Australia in March.
They were among seven Iranian players who initially accepted asylum, although five later returned to the national team for undisclosed reasons.
Australia's Department of Home Affairs declined to explain why the players' citizenship applications were processed so quickly, citing privacy rules.
Refugee advocates note that refugees typically must live in Australia for four years before becoming eligible for citizenship, though the move could make the players eligible to represent Australia in international football.
The players' situation drew international attention after they declined to sing Iran's national anthem during the tournament, amid concerns over their safety.
Their asylum bid was publicly supported by US President Donald Trump, who also raised the issue with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
