SYDNEY – As tensions were rising in the Middle East, a group of Iranian footballers took steps toward liberation.
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The Iranian women’s football team valiantly participated in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup this month, facing a tough group stage line up. South Korea, the Philippines and tournament hosts Australia all faced matches with Iran.
But as the Iranians’ tournament run came to an end, all eyes were on the Australian government.
Following the Iranian players’ three-game campaign, the Australian public became enamoured with the determination of the women and became worried for their safety upon their arrival back to Iran.
Labeled as traitors by Iranian media, it was feared that the team may be persecuted for their reluctance to sing the national anthem in a turbulent political climate.
“Last night I was able to tell five members of the Iranian women’s soccer team that they are welcome to stay in Australia, that they are safe here and they should feel at home here,” said Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke at a March 10 Brisbane press conference.
The initial five women who were granted humanitarian visas were only able to obtain them after escaping their handlers in a Gold Coast hotel.
“These women have been weighing up an incredibly difficult decision,” Burke said.
It was doubtless that their reluctance to return to Iran would see them removed from representing Iran at future sporting events and could have repercussions on family and friends still residing in Iran.
“We’re willing to provide assistance to other women in the team, noting that this is a very delicate situation, and it is up to them,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The visas offered and accepted by the women were valid for a year, providing a pathway to permanent residence.
As the Iranian women arrived in Sydney from Queensland, a crowd of supporters followed their bus through the airport and broke out into cheers after it was announced that a further two more women had chosen to remain in Australia.
But while it was initially believed that the rest of the women would remain on Australian shores, it was later revealed that all players except two, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, would return to Iran.
Isla Giron is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
“While the Australian government can ensure that opportunities are provided and communicated, we cannot remove the context in which the players are making these incredibly difficult decisions,” said Burke.
