Iranian women footballers Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh have publicly thanked the Australian government for granting them humanitarian visas after they chose to remain in Australia following the Women's Asian Cup, saying they hope to rebuild their lives "in safety." The pair were among seven Iranian squad members initially offered protection after US and Israeli air strikes on Iran coincided with the tournament, though five of the group later decided to return home. Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh, who have since begun training with A-League Women's club Brisbane Roar, said it remains their dream to continue their sporting careers in Australia — a significant decision given that Iranian state television had labelled players who declined to sing the national anthem during the tournament "wartime traitors."