Iran footballers granted asylum in Australia vow to continue chasing sporting dream

• Former Iranian women’s team players ‘overwhelmed’ by support

• Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh have trained with Brisbane Roar

The two members of the Iran football team who remained in Australia after the Women’s Asian Cup are beginning their new lives away from the spotlight, even if their dream is to return to elite football.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh issued a statement on Friday saying they “respectfully ask” for “privacy and space”.