Iranian footballers who left the national team become Australian citizens
Two of seven Iranian women footballers who sought humanitarian visas while playing in Australia have now been granted Australian citizenship. The other five players changed their minds and returned to Iran. The development follows a lengthy process after the athletes' decision to leave the national team.
Two of seven Iranian women footballers who decided to leave the national team while playing in Australia have now been formally granted Australian citizenship. The players had applied for humanitarian visas at the start of the process.
The other five players changed their minds during the process and chose to return to Iran instead. Officials said the decisions were based on personal and family reasons, with no pressure factors disclosed publicly.
The players who received citizenship said they would continue playing for their clubs in Australia. The development is seen as the outcome of a long and complex process following the athletes' decision to leave the national team.
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