FIFA to ban pre-revolution Iranian flag from World Cup
FIFA is set to ban the waving of the pre-Islamic Revolution flag of Iran at World Cup games, sparking outrage among the Iranian opposition and diaspora.
TL;DR
- FIFA is expected to ban the pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag (lion and sun emblem) at World Cup games.
- The flag is a symbol for Iranians opposed to the current Islamic government and represents the deposed monarchy.
- The ban follows an inconsistent policy at the 2022 World Cup where some fans with the flag were barred.
- Iranian opposition and diaspora groups are protesting, accusing FIFA of appeasing the Islamic government.
- Belgian minister Darya Safai and exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's chief of staff, Cameron Khansarinia, have spoken out against the ban.
- Khansarinia has called for protests outside games in Los Angeles.
- FIFA previously allowed the Islamic Republic of Iran's team to participate in the World Cup despite controversy over government actions.