Two Iranian women soccer players, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, have been granted Australian citizenship. The athletes sought asylum in Australia earlier this year after participating in a high-profile protest during the women's Asian Cup in March.
The players had refused to sing the national anthem of Iran before a game, an act that led to them being condemned as traitors in their home country. They were among a group of seven members from the Iranian delegation who requested protection from Australia.
Immigration Minister Tony Burke swore the two women in during a citizenship ceremony held in their home city of Brisbane. Following the ceremony, Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stated they were proud to have been granted citizenship.