Two Iranian women footballers who defied their government and sought asylum in Australia have been granted Australian citizenship. Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, 34, and Fatemeh Pasandideh, 22, were naturalised at a ceremony in Brisbane on August 5, officiated by Australian immigration minister Tony Burke. The pair were among seven members of Iran’s delegation offered humanitarian visas while in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup in March. Their situation attracted international attention, including public support from US President Donald Trump, who also raised the matter with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The accelerated process could enable the two players to represent Australia in international football.