Fifa to ban pre-revolutionary Iran flag at World Cup in United States
Fifa is set to prohibit fans from bringing the pre-revolutionary Iran flag into stadiums at the World Cup in the United States – a ruling also made for the last World Cup in Qatar.
While similar in its red, white and green band formation, the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag has a lion and the sun in the middle, while the official flag, changed following the Iranian revolution in 1979, has an Islamic symbol and phrasing, depicting the shift from a monarchy to a theocratic government.
The pre-revolutionary flag has been used by Iranians in the US and worldwide as a symbol of protest and standing against the current regime and, while prohibited at the 2022 World Cup, some fans managed to sneak the flag into stadiums in Qatar.
Yet The Athletic reports that Fifa is planning to once again ban the pre-revolutionary flag – and any similar paraphernalia – in the USA this summer. Despite the ongoing war with the hosts, Iran is scheduled to compete in next month’s Finals and has two matches scheduled in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
The Independent has approached Fifa for further comment.
The report adds that Fifa is set to allow the Palestine flag into World Cup stadiums this summer, given it is the officially approved flag of a Fifa member association, in contrast to Iran’s pre-revolutionary flag.
In terms of FIFA’s official regulations, Article 3.1.243 of their Stadium Code of Conduct states: “Any materials, including but not limited to banners, flags, fliers, apparel and other paraphernalia, that are of a political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature, containing wording, symbols or any other attributes aimed at discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or group on account of race, skin colour, ethnicity, national or social origin, gender identity and expression, disability, language, religion, political opinion or any other opinion, birth, wealth or any other status, sexual orientation or on any other grounds.”
Tickets for Iran’s group-stage games on the West Coast have sold well, with over 50,000 bought for their opening clash against New Zealand at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium on 15 June.
They are also set to play Group G favourites Belgium in LA on 21 June before their final group game against Egypt on 26 June in Seattle, which has also been designated as the Pride Match taking place on Seattle Pride weekend.
There is a scenario in which Iran could face the United States in Dallas in the round-of-32, if both countries finish second in their respective groups.
The 2026 World Cup starts on 11 June.
