Iranian footballers explain protest after claiming asylum in Australia

Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh have publicly confirmed that their refusal to sing the Iranian national anthem during the Women’s Asian Cup in March was a protest against their country's government. The two players abandoned their team while in Australia to seek asylum, a move that followed a match against South Korea. Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh stated that the silence was an act of solidarity with protesters in Iran facing a violent crackdown by state authorities. While seven team members initially considered asylum, Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh were the only two who proceeded with their applications. Both women have since been granted Australian citizenship and are currently playing for the Brisbane-based Wynnum Wolves.

• 9:26 AMYahoo Sports — Iranian women footballers speak out on national anthem protest after claiming asylum in Australia