Iranian soccer players who sought shelter in Australia work out with a local team.

SYDNEY, March 17 (Reuters) - The two Iranian women's soccer players who decided to stay in Australia after applying for asylum have been spotted training with a local A-League team as they start their new lives there. Seven members of Iran's delegation, including midfielder Fatemeh Pasandideh and defender Atefeh Ramezanizadeh, were granted humanitarian visas due to concerns about potential persecution if they went home following their participation in the women's Asian Cup in Australia.Before their first game on the Gold Coast in the state of Queensland, the players neglected to sing their national anthem, raising concerns about their safety. They were called "wartime traitors" by Iranian official media, and the team's campaign started when Israel and the United States initiated airstrikes on Iran. However, five of the group later opted to go back home after having second thoughts about Australia's offer of sanctuary.

The two surviving players, Pasandideh and Ramezanizadeh, joined a training session with Brisbane Roar's women's team on Monday, the Queensland-based A-League franchise stated on social media."Brisbane ‌Roar ⁠officially welcomed both Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanizadeh to the club's training facilities...and remain committed to providing a supportive environment for them whilst they navigate the next stages," Kaz Patafta, the club's CEO, stated. The club shared pictures of the two individuals interacting with the Brisbane Roar team and participating in shooting drills. Ramezanizadeh, 33, wrote, "Thank you for everything," beneath the Instagram photo. On Monday, Pasandideh, 21, shared a picture of herself with FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis in Brisbane on her Instagram account, captioning it "everything will be fine."