Iranian Women Footballers Break Silence: Anthem Protest Was Against Tehran

Two Iranian women's football team members, Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh, who sought asylum in Australia, have now openly confirmed that their refusal to sing the national anthem during the Women’s Asian Cup in March was a poignant protest against the Tehran government. This powerful revelation comes in their first media interview since becoming refugees, broadcast on Australia’s "60 Minutes" current affairs programme.

Ramezanisadeh, 34, and Pasandideh, 22, shared the motivations behind their courageous act. Through an interpreter, Ramezanisadeh stated, "We just wanted to stand with our people.

I was scared at times, but I just tried to do what was right and say that no one should be killed just for protesting.

This act of defiance occurred before their opening match defeat to South Korea on March 2nd, sparking intense criticism back home, where domestic media labeled them

traitors."

The footballers clarified that their silent protest was specifically against Tehran's violent crackdown on widespread demonstrations challenging Iran's theocratic government. Ramezanisadeh expressed the personal risk involved, noting her silence "could have meant any form of torture" for her. Yet, she found peace in her decision, explaining, "I wanted to sing the anthem with pride and from my heart.

But because of the situation in Iran, I really couldn't do it."

Pasandideh echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the sacrifice of their compatriots.

My people put their lives on the line and they were killed. Doing that was the absolute least we could do for them,

she conveyed.

Their silent gesture, initially viewed by some as resistance and by others as a gesture of mourning following geopolitical events, prompted calls from demonstrators for the players to be granted asylum in Australia before the squad's departure from Sydney on March 10th. The two players have since successfully claimed asylum in Australia, marking a new chapter in their lives following their brave stand.

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