Australia grants citizenship to two Iranian women footballers seeking asylum

Australia granted citizenship to Iranian women footballers Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, who sought asylum in March. Immigration Minister Tony Burke swore them in at a Brisbane ceremony on Wednesday. They joined Brisbane Roar after Iran withdrew from the Women’s Asia Cup hosted by Australia. Normally refugees must wait four years for citizenship; fast-tracking may allow them to play for Australia. Five other Iranian players who initially sought asylum later returned to the team.