Two Iranian women footballers have trained with the Australian club Brisbane Roar after seeking asylum in the country, with one of them uploading a picture alongside a senior FIFA official saying: “Everything will be fine.” Seven members of Iran’s football delegation competing in the Women’s Asian Cup sought sanctuary in Australia last week after they were branded “traitors” at home for refusing to sing the national anthem at their opening game.
Only two, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, remain in Australia after the others changed their minds and decided to return. Rights groups have accused Tehran of pressuring athletes abroad by threatening relatives or with the seizure of property if they defect or make statements against the Islamic republic.