Iranian footballers branded traitors after
Photo: Azneal Ishak/AP/TT

Iranian footballers branded traitors after anthem protest granted Australian citizenship

The footballers were branded “traitors” by Iranian state television when they refused to sing the national anthem at the Asian Cup opener. Now both have been granted Australian citizenship.

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"A truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen," Atefeh Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.

“After everything we have been through and all the challenges we have faced, this moment means more than words can express,” says Fatemeh Pasandideh.

The incident with the national anthem took place in early March - shortly after the US and Israel attacked Iran - ahead of the Iranian women's championship debut in Australia.

A total of seven members of Iran's squad, including one team leader, sought and were granted asylum in Australia, but five of them later chose to return home.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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