Iranian women's soccer players practice with Australian club after being granted asylum

Bryan Llenas reports on five Iranian women's soccer players who sought asylum in Australia but reversed their decision and returned to Iran.

Two Iranian women’s soccer players, who decided to stay in Australia instead of returning to their home country in the middle of a conflict with the U.S. and Israel, were seen training with a club on Monday.

The Brisbane Roar posted photos on its Instagram account showing Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh with the professional club. It was their first publicly shared appearance since it emerged they were among the players granted asylum in the country.

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Iranian soccer player Atefeh Ramezanisadeh kicks a ball at a Brisbane Roar club training session in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026. (Brisbane Roar via AP)

The two players were seen smiling without wearing a hijab as they posed alongside members of the Roar.

"We remain committed to providing a supportive environment for them whilst they navigate the next stages," Brisbane Roar CEO Kaz Patafta wrote in the social media post.

Ramezanisadeh commented, "Thank you for everything."

The club plays in Australia’s elite A-League women’s division. The club denied further comment and referred all questions to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs. Brisbane offered Iranian women’s soccer players a "place to train, play and belong" last week.

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Iranian soccer player Fatemeh Pasandideh kicks a ball at a Brisbane Roar club training session in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026. (Brisbane Roar via AP)

The Australian government offered each member of the Iranian women’s