Fans Display Banned Pre-Revolutionary Iranian Flags at World Cup Match

Fans attending the World Cup match between Qatar and Switzerland in Santa Clara, California, managed to display pre-revolutionary Iranian flags, defying a ban implemented by FIFA. The Athletic observed multiple instances of these flags being unfurled during the first half of the game.

The pre-revolutionary flag, which was the official flag of Iran until the 1979 revolution, features green, white, and red bands. Unlike the current flag, it bears a yellow lion and sun emblem in the center and lacks Arabic lettering on the colored bands. This historical flag has become a symbol of protest for some members of the Iranian diaspora, representing opposition to the current regime.

Por que importa

Its appearance at the World Cup follows similar displays at the 2022 men’s World Cup and the 2024 Asian Cup in Qatar, as well as at pro-Iranian protests globally, particularly since the escalation of conflict involving Iran in February. However, at the previous World Cup in Qatar, some fans were reportedly prevented from bringing this flag into stadiums.

FIFA’s stance on the flag has been to categorize it as potentially political, offensive, and discriminatory, citing its stadium code of conduct. This code prohibits “any materials, including but not limited to banners, flags, fliers, apparel and other paraphernalia, that are of a political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature.”

The Athletic has reached out to FIFA and the local host committee for comment regarding how the pre-revolutionary flags were allowed into Levi’s Stadium. Iran’s participation in the World Cup had been a subject of discussion following recent geopolitical events, but the team arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, last week, ahead of their group stage matches in the Los Angeles area and Seattle.

The presence of the Iranian diaspora on the West Coast of the United States has led to small gatherings of supporters greeting the team.

Lawsuit Filed Against FIFA

Adding to the controversy, a lawsuit has been filed against FIFA in California by the Institute for Voices of Liberty, a non-profit organization advocating for freedom of expression for Iranians. The lawsuit claims that the ban on the pre-revolutionary flag infringes upon individuals’ “protected symbolic and political speech.”

Previously, a source within FIFA indicated to The Athletic that the flag is indeed considered political. The Iranian Football Federation had also reportedly issued demands to FIFA prior to the tournament, including a call for “respect for the Iranian flag,” potentially referring to the current national emblem.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Event | World Cup match between Qatar and Switzerland |
| Location | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California |
| Item displayed | Pre-revolutionary Iranian flag (lion and sun emblem) |
| FIFA’s stance | Flag considered political, offensive, or discriminatory |
| Legal action | Lawsuit filed against FIFA over the ban |

This development highlights the ongoing tension between national symbols, political expression, and the regulations of international sporting bodies like FIFA. For football fans, it raises questions about freedom of speech within stadiums and the interpretation of what constitutes prohibited political messaging. The legal challenge further underscores the significance of this issue for the Iranian diaspora and human rights advocates.

Source: The Athletic Football – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7358404/2026/06/13/iran-flag-world-cup-qatar-switzerland/

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