Iran women’s soccer team greeted with a welcome ceremony in Tehran
The Hindu
Iran's women's soccer team celebrated a warm welcome in Tehran after returning home, despite some players seeking asylum in Australia.
Members of Iran’s national women’s soccer team were greeted with a welcome ceremony upon their return to the Islamic Republic after several of the players sought asylum in Australia.
“First of all we are so happy to be in Iran, because Iran is our homeland,” midfielder Fatemeh Shaban said.
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People in the crowd waved flags while some of the players held bouquets of flowers and signed what appeared to be mini-soccer balls. Iranian media had reported that the team returned on Wednesday (March 18, 2026).
“I wasn’t expecting this many people to come to welcome us, and I am happy to be the daughter of Iran,” Ms. Shaban said in translated comments.
Two Iranian female players, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, chose to remain in Australia and have been training with the Brisbane Roar club.
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