Two Iranian female footballers who publicly defied their government have become Australian citizens. The new rules are expected to include restricting the work and appeal rights of asylum seekers and a ban on visitors applying for family visas. Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh were given their citizenship certificates at a ceremony attended by Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke. The two players have since been training with A-League Women’s team Brisbane Roar, planning to continue their elite sporting careers in Australia. The drama around the Iranian team unfolded against the background of the war back in their home country which began on 28 February, when Israel and the US launched joint air strikes.