Deadspin | With Yainer Diaz struggling, Astros aim to even series vs. Cards Apr 13, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (21) hits an RBI-single against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images Houston catcher Yainer Diaz was absent from the starting lineup on Friday when the Astros lost 9-4 to the visiting St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of a three-game interleague series. While the Astros have enjoyed success offensively this season, leading the American League in several categories, Diaz has labored. He is batting .094, with an on-base percentage of .094 and a slugging percentage of .188, since his last multi-hit game on April 4 against the Athletics, a span of eight games. Diaz, 27, is batting .186 for the season, with one homer and nine RBIs. Astros manager Joe Espada said the club is working with him to tweak some things related to his approach at the plate. “You always want to remind yourself that the hitters are who they are,” Espada said. “Yainer Diaz has always been someone who likes to swing, and there’s nothing wrong with that. And we’re not asking him to always swing at strikes. It’s almost impossible to do. To hit is really hard. “But there are areas of the plate that he covers really well, so he can focus in those areas and stay in those areas, and then he can do damage. For us, it’s just to remind him of who he is.” Right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (1-0, 5.87 ERA) has the starting assignment for the Astros in the second game of the series on Saturday. McCullers has not recorded a decision in his last two starts despite allowing nine runs on 10 hits and five walks with eight strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings in two Houston losses. He was stellar in his season debut against the Boston Red Sox on March 30, yielding one run on four hits and one walk with nine strikeouts in seven innings. McCullers will make his first career start against the Cardinals. In 18 career interleague starts, he is 6-7 with a 4.32 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 93 2/3 innings. Right-hander Andre Pallante (1-1, 4.80 ERA) is the scheduled starter for the Cardinals on Saturday. Pallante allowed seven runs (six earned) on nine hits and one walk with two strikeouts in five innings of a 9-3 loss to the Red Sox on Sunday, tripling the earned runs allowed from his first two starts combined. Pallante tossed five shutout innings at the New York Mets in his season debut on March 31. Pallante is 0-1 with a 16.20 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against the Astros. In his lone start against Houston on June 4, 2024, he allowed six runs on six hits and three walks with one strikeout in three innings in an 8-5 road loss. The Cardinals announced on Friday that right-hander Richard Fitts underwent season-ending surgery to address a right lat strain that recently resulted in his being placed on the minor league injury list. Fitts arrived from Boston as part of the trade that shipped right-hander Sonny Gray to the Red Sox during the offseason. Fitts went 2-5 with a 3.97 ERA in 15 appearances (14 starts) across two seasons with the Red Sox. He made three starts with Triple-A Memphis this season (2-0, 1.76 ERA) before landing on the IL. “It’s someone that we definitely were going to count on providing some innings and helping when the time presented itself this year,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. “Really unfortunate because it’s someone that we would have liked to see and a really good competitor.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Yainer #Diaz #struggling #Astros #aim #series #Cards

Deadspin | With Yainer Diaz struggling, Astros aim to even series vs. Cards
Apr 13, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (21) hits an RBI-single against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Houston catcher Yainer Diaz was absent from the starting lineup on Friday when the Astros lost 9-4 to the visiting St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of a three-game interleague series.

While the Astros have enjoyed success offensively this season, leading the American League in several categories, Diaz has labored. He is batting .094, with an on-base percentage of .094 and a slugging percentage of .188, since his last multi-hit game on April 4 against the Athletics, a span of eight games.

Diaz, 27, is batting .186 for the season, with one homer and nine RBIs. Astros manager Joe Espada said the club is working with him to tweak some things related to his approach at the plate.

“You always want to remind yourself that the hitters are who they are,” Espada said. “Yainer Diaz has always been someone who likes to swing, and there’s nothing wrong with that. And we’re not asking him to always swing at strikes. It’s almost impossible to do. To hit is really hard.

“But there are areas of the plate that he covers really well, so he can focus in those areas and stay in those areas, and then he can do damage. For us, it’s just to remind him of who he is.”

Right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (1-0, 5.87 ERA) has the starting assignment for the Astros in the second game of the series on Saturday.

McCullers has not recorded a decision in his last two starts despite allowing nine runs on 10 hits and five walks with eight strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings in two Houston losses. He was stellar in his season debut against the Boston Red Sox on March 30, yielding one run on four hits and one walk with nine strikeouts in seven innings.

McCullers will make his first career start against the Cardinals. In 18 career interleague starts, he is 6-7 with a 4.32 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 93 2/3 innings.

Right-hander Andre Pallante (1-1, 4.80 ERA) is the scheduled starter for the Cardinals on Saturday.

Pallante allowed seven runs (six earned) on nine hits and one walk with two strikeouts in five innings of a 9-3 loss to the Red Sox on Sunday, tripling the earned runs allowed from his first two starts combined. Pallante tossed five shutout innings at the New York Mets in his season debut on March 31.

Pallante is 0-1 with a 16.20 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against the Astros. In his lone start against Houston on June 4, 2024, he allowed six runs on six hits and three walks with one strikeout in three innings in an 8-5 road loss.

The Cardinals announced on Friday that right-hander Richard Fitts underwent season-ending surgery to address a right lat strain that recently resulted in his being placed on the minor league injury list.

Fitts arrived from Boston as part of the trade that shipped right-hander Sonny Gray to the Red Sox during the offseason. Fitts went 2-5 with a 3.97 ERA in 15 appearances (14 starts) across two seasons with the Red Sox. He made three starts with Triple-A Memphis this season (2-0, 1.76 ERA) before landing on the IL.

“It’s someone that we definitely were going to count on providing some innings and helping when the time presented itself this year,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. “Really unfortunate because it’s someone that we would have liked to see and a really good competitor.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Yainer #Diaz #struggling #Astros #aim #series #Cards

Sports news April 18, 2026

Apr 13, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (21) hits an RBI-single against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Houston catcher Yainer Diaz was absent from the starting lineup on Friday when the Astros lost 9-4 to the visiting St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of a three-game interleague series.

While the Astros have enjoyed success offensively this season, leading the American League in several categories, Diaz has labored. He is batting .094, with an on-base percentage of .094 and a slugging percentage of .188, since his last multi-hit game on April 4 against the Athletics, a span of eight games.

Diaz, 27, is batting .186 for the season, with one homer and nine RBIs. Astros manager Joe Espada said the club is working with him to tweak some things related to his approach at the plate.

“You always want to remind yourself that the hitters are who they are,” Espada said. “Yainer Diaz has always been someone who likes to swing, and there’s nothing wrong with that. And we’re not asking him to always swing at strikes. It’s almost impossible to do. To hit is really hard.

“But there are areas of the plate that he covers really well, so he can focus in those areas and stay in those areas, and then he can do damage. For us, it’s just to remind him of who he is.”

Right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (1-0, 5.87 ERA) has the starting assignment for the Astros in the second game of the series on Saturday.

McCullers has not recorded a decision in his last two starts despite allowing nine runs on 10 hits and five walks with eight strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings in two Houston losses. He was stellar in his season debut against the Boston Red Sox on March 30, yielding one run on four hits and one walk with nine strikeouts in seven innings.

McCullers will make his first career start against the Cardinals. In 18 career interleague starts, he is 6-7 with a 4.32 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 93 2/3 innings.

Right-hander Andre Pallante (1-1, 4.80 ERA) is the scheduled starter for the Cardinals on Saturday.

Pallante allowed seven runs (six earned) on nine hits and one walk with two strikeouts in five innings of a 9-3 loss to the Red Sox on Sunday, tripling the earned runs allowed from his first two starts combined. Pallante tossed five shutout innings at the New York Mets in his season debut on March 31.

Pallante is 0-1 with a 16.20 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against the Astros. In his lone start against Houston on June 4, 2024, he allowed six runs on six hits and three walks with one strikeout in three innings in an 8-5 road loss.

The Cardinals announced on Friday that right-hander Richard Fitts underwent season-ending surgery to address a right lat strain that recently resulted in his being placed on the minor league injury list.

Fitts arrived from Boston as part of the trade that shipped right-hander Sonny Gray to the Red Sox during the offseason. Fitts went 2-5 with a 3.97 ERA in 15 appearances (14 starts) across two seasons with the Red Sox. He made three starts with Triple-A Memphis this season (2-0, 1.76 ERA) before landing on the IL.

“It’s someone that we definitely were going to count on providing some innings and helping when the time presented itself this year,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. “Really unfortunate because it’s someone that we would have liked to see and a really good competitor.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Yainer #Diaz #struggling #Astros #aim #series #Cards

Doriane Pin completes maiden F1 test for Mercedes <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Mercedes development driver Doriane Pin completed another major step on her potential journey to the Formula 1 grid, completing a test session for the team at the historic Silverstone circuit.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Pin, the 2025 F1 Academy champion, completed 76 laps in the W12, the car that helped power Mercedes to the 2021 Constructors’ Championship. It was her first time turning laps in F1 machinery, and she completed 200 kilometers during her session on Friday.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“Driving an F1 car for the first time today was unreal. I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity and to be surrounded by this incredible team. It was a unique opportunity and I made sure to enjoy my day to the fullest, along with doing the best job I could. Whilst being a female driver doesn’t define me, it was great to show what we can do. It was an extremely emotional day and I’m also thankful I was able to share this experience with my family,” said Pin after the test session.<br/>“The W12 is obviously really different from the other cars I’ve been able to drive. Everything is different, bigger and more powerful. I am glad I was able to build confidence lap after lap and show what I was capable of.”</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Andrew Shovlin, the team’s trackside engineering director, hailed Pin’s “preparation and professionalism” after the session.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">”It’s been great to have Doriane complete a day of testing with the W12 today. It marks another major step on what is proving to be a very exciting and promising career and also makes her the first ever female driver of a Mercedes F1 car,” said Shovlin.<br/>“Her preparation and professionalism has impressed the whole team and she should be really proud of what she has achieved. Whatever series you come from, it is always a massive step when getting into an F1 car but she looked at home from the very first laps and was able to enjoy driving the car on the limit.”</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Pin became the first Frenchwoman to drive modern F1 machinery in the session.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In addition to her role with Mercedes, Pin will drive with Duqueine Team for their 2026 European Le Mans Series, competing in the LMP2 Pro/AM Class. This will give Pin a chance at driving in the Le Mans 24 Hours for the second time, as she made her debut at that historic event back in 2023.</p></div> #Doriane #Pin #completes #maiden #test #Mercedes

Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027. The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness. Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.” The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.” While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness. Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.” The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby">

mwasimuddin125 0

May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.

The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.

Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”

The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”

While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.

Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”

The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby">Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby

May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.

The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.

Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”

The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”

While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.

Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”

The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to $12 million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">

mwasimuddin125 0

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">Stefon Diggs fantasy football outlook: What Commanders signing means for 2026

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means

Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.

With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.

Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.

“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.

“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.

A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.

“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.

“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.

“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”

ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection

The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.

AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.

Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.

By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.

Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship">

mwasimuddin125 0

Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.
With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.
Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.
“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.
“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.
A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.
“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.
“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.
“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”
ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection
The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.
AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.
Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.
By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.
Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship">Former Iranian women footballers granted Australian citizenship