Two former members of the Iranian women's national soccer team have officially been sworn in as Australian citizens, years after seeking asylum during an international tournament.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh took their citizenship pledges at an emotional ceremony in Brisbane on Wednesday, officiated by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. The event was attended by friends, supporters, and members of the local Iranian community who gathered to celebrate the milestone.

A New Beginning

The path to citizenship began when the Iranian national team competed in Australia. Tensions escalated when players refused to sing the Iranian national anthem ahead of their match against South Korea, drawing sharp criticism on Iranian state television. Fearing severe retribution from their home government, several members of the delegation sought protection.

While seven members of the team were initially granted humanitarian visas, five ultimately chose to withdraw their claims and return to Iran. Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh remained, working to rebuild their lives in safety.

Speaking after the ceremony, Pasandideh described the occasion as "one of the happiest days of my life."

"After everything we've been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express," she said. "Thank you, Australia, for giving me this opportunity. I'm honoured to be part of this nation."

Ramezanisadeh expressed similar pride in her new home, stating that Australia has given her the chance to build a secure future. "I feel, more than ever, that I belong here," she said. "At the same time, my roots and my memories of Iran will always remain a part of who I am."

Calls to End Visa Limbo for Others

While the ceremony was a momentous occasion for the two athletes, it has renewed focus on the hundreds of other Iranian refugees who remain in administrative limbo across Australia.

Laura John, associate legal director at the Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC), congratulated the players but urged the federal government to provide the same clear pathway to others who have been waiting for over a decade.

According to the HRLC, approximately 700 refugees have lived in the Australian community for more than ten years on temporary bridging visas, with nearly half of them originating from Iran. Many of these individuals have spouses and children who are already Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Fatemeh Lahmidi, an aged care worker and mother who fled Iran 13 years ago, said she was happy for the soccer players but felt heartbroken by her own family's ongoing uncertainty.

"My family has been waiting for so many years, and it's hard to understand why we are still living with so much uncertainty while others receive citizenship so quickly," Lahmidi said. "Australia is the only home my children really know. All we want is the chance to stop living in limbo and finally have the safety and security every family hopes for."

Similarly, Brisbane small business owner Mahsa Mazaheri, whose husband and daughters are Australian citizens, highlighted the emotional toll of the disparity. "It is painful to see the difference in how some people are treated while many others, like us, remain in uncertainty for so many years," she said.