Iranian World Cup soccer fans wave pre-revolutionary flag inside stadium despite FIFA ban
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Dozens of Iran supporters defied FIFA's ban by displaying the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag inside SoFi Stadium during the World Cup match against New Zealand, despite FIFA's prohibition on political symbols at event venues.
- Hundreds of demonstrators rallied outside the stadium protesting the Iranian regime, with some fans inside turning their backs during the national anthem and wearing the banned flag on apparel.
- FIFA's code of conduct prohibits political, offensive, or discriminatory banners and apparel, but enforcement inside the stadium was lax, allowing widespread visibility of the pre-revolutionary flag.
- The protests highlighted opposition to the Islamic Republic and allegations that the IRGC controls Iran’s sports federations and suppresses dissenting athletes.
- The Iranian team faced visa delays due to alleged regime links and arrived in the U.S. just one day before the match, staying under heavy security at a Manhattan Beach hotel.
