Upon their arrival back in Iran, members of the Iranian national women’s soccer team were met with a warm reception following the decision of several players to seek asylum in Australia. “We are delighted to be back in Iran, our homeland,” expressed midfielder Fatemeh Shaban. In a welcoming ceremony in Tehran, spectators waved flags, while players were seen holding flower bouquets and signing miniature soccer balls. The team’s return was reported by Iranian media on Wednesday.
Expressing surprise at the turnout of well-wishers, Shaban mentioned, “I am proud to be an Iranian.” Two players, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, opted to stay in Australia and have been training with the Brisbane Roar club. Initially, some team members had sought asylum after being eliminated from the Women’s Asian Cup but later decided to return to Iran.
The Iranian squad had traveled to Australia for the tournament just before the outbreak of the Iran war on Feb. 28. The team garnered international attention when some players chose to remain silent during Iran’s national anthem at the beginning of the Asian Cup, interpreted by some as an act of resistance or protest, and by others as a sign of mourning. The players did not disclose their motives but sang the anthem in the following matches.
Iran’s first Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref refuted concerns about the players’ safety upon their return, assuring that the government would ensure their security, stating that Iran welcomes its citizens with open arms.