Iranian female footballers anticipate secure fresh start in Australia

Seven individuals from Iran's group at the competition requested refuge after facing labels of "traitors" back home for declining to chant the national anthem in their initial match right after conflict ignited in the Middle East.

Their requests for safety proved awkward for Iranian officials yet received praise from US President Donald Trump, with five ultimately deciding to reverse course and head back.

Just Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh chose to remain, even as advocates alleged that Iranian officials were exerting influence on the players' relatives, such as by bringing in their parents for questioning.

In a shared declaration, the duo expressed appreciation to the Australian authorities for "granting us humanitarian protection and a safe haven in this beautiful country".

"The kindness and backing extended to us amid these difficult moments have instilled in us optimism for a tomorrow where we can reside and participate in sports securely," they noted.

"We feel profoundly touched by the friendliness and open-heartedness of the Iranian community living abroad in Australia. Your encouragement has helped us sense belonging and reduced our isolation while adjusting to this new phase.

"Right now, our key priorities involve ensuring our protection, preserving our wellbeing, and initiating efforts to reconstruct our existence," they continued.

"As high-calibre competitors, we continue to hold the ambition of advancing our athletic pursuits right here in Australia. Nevertheless, we are not quite prepared to address our journey openly at this point."

One week following their application for asylum, the two were captured in images beaming and practising alongside the Australian outfit Brisbane Roar. They have stayed out of sight since then and are residing in a confidential place.

The circumstances facing the remaining squad members stay vague since their journey back to Iran.

AFP journalists witnessed them entering their native land from Turkey aboard a coach, clad in team leisure suits and heads veiled.

Not long afterwards, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Iranian parliamentary leader, shared on X that the competitors and their assisting crew represent "children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them".

Via their homecoming, they had "disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and refused to yield to falsehoods and coercion from foes of Iran", he further commented.