Iranian footballers Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh, who sought asylum in Australia, revealed that staying silent during their national anthem was an intentional protest against Tehran.
Two members of the Iranian women's football team who claimed asylum in Australia have confirmed that their decision to stand silent during the national anthem at the Women's Asian Cup in March was a direct protest against Tehran.
Speaking in their first media interview since defecting on Australia's '60 Minutes' current affairs program, Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, 34, and Fatemeh Pasandideh, 22, revealed they were protesting against the Iranian regime's brutal crackdown on nationwide demonstrations.
'We just wanted to stand with our people. I was scared at times, but I just tried to do what was right and say that no one should be killed just for protesting,' Ramezanisadeh told Nine Network through an interpreter. She added that while her silence could have led to torture, remaining silent was the only act that gave her peace of mind.
The Iranian team was heavily criticised and branded as traitors in domestic media for remaining silent prior to their opening loss against South Korea on March 2. The gesture prompted public demonstrations in Australia demanding asylum for the squad before their scheduled departure from Sydney on March 10.
The geopolitical stakes rose when U.S. President Donald Trump called for the team to be granted asylum on social media and telephoned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Although seven members initially accepted Australia's offer, all except Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh eventually changed their minds and returned home.
Both players now play for the Wynnum Wolves, a semi-professional football team in Brisbane, and were granted Australian citizenship in August.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.