Iran footballers train with Australia club and say 'everything will be fine'

A duo of Iranian female footballers trained with the Australian outfit Brisbane Roar following their request for asylum in the nation, where one shared an image next to a high-ranking FIFA executive with the words: "Everything will be fine."

Last week, seven individuals from Iran's football team, participating in the Women's Asian Cup, requested protection in Australia after being labelled "traitors" back home for opting not to sing the national anthem during their initial match.

Just two, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, are still in Australia, as the rest reconsidered and chose to go back.

Advocacy organisations have claimed that Tehran coerces athletes overseas by endangering family members or confiscating assets if they desert or criticise the Islamic republic.

In response, Iranian officials have alleged that Australia coerced the athletes into remaining.

"Welcome, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh," stated Kaz Patafta, the chief executive of Brisbane Roar, while sharing images of the pair practising and grinning with the A-League squad on Monday.

"Today, Brisbane Roar formally greeted both athletes at the club's practice grounds to join sessions with our A-League women's group," he added.

"We continue to dedicate ourselves to offering a nurturing setting for them as they manage upcoming steps."

Pasandideh uploaded an image of herself on Instagram beside FIFA's head football officer Jill Ellis, who previously coached the American national team, captioned: "Everything will be fine."

The pair are accommodated at a secret site and gaining assistance from the authorities along with the Iranian community in Australia.

This situation arose amid conflict in the Middle East triggered by US-Israeli aerial attacks on Iran.

Following the announcement last week about the athletes receiving asylum, Brisbane Roar issued a message expressing their wish to host the Iranian footballers.

"Brisbane boasts one of the nations most enthusiastic football supporter bases, and the Roar community possesses a generous spirit," it noted.

"We would be delighted to extend our facilities and provide a space to practise, compete, and integrate, and we will start examining ways to achieve this."