Iranian soccer players in Australia thankful for 'safe haven'

Two members of the Iranian women's soccer team who were granted asylum in Australia last month, released a joint statement Friday thanking the Australian government for assistance with "the process of rebuilding our lives."

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were the only two of seven members of the Iran traveling party who remained in Australia after the group first sought asylum during the Asian Cup tournament. Four players and one staff member ultimately returned to Iran.

During their time in Australia so far, both players had the chance to train with A-League team Brisbane Roar FC.

"At this stage, our primary focus is on our safety, our health and beginning the process of rebuilding our lives," the pair said in a statement released through the Australian Associated Press. "We are elite athletes, and it remains our dream to continue our sporting careers here in Australia."

Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh thanked the Australian government, in particular home affairs minister Tony Burke, for providing "a safe haven in this beautiful country."

The team arrived in Australia in late February, just before the United States and Israel began air strikes against Iran. The team did not sing the words to the Iranian national anthem before a March 2 game against South Korea, setting off a controversy back home, but sang the words in subsequent games.

"We've been working very, very closely with them, but obviously this is a very complex situation," Matt Thistlethwaite, an assistant immigration minister for Australia, told Sky News last month. "... They're being given all the support of the Australian government and indeed the diaspora community to remain here and settle in Australia."

--Field Level Media