Iran FA urges FIFA to enforce official flag rules at 2026 World Cup matches

TEHRAN, June 14 (YPA) – Iran Football Federation’s head, Mehdi Taj, has urged FIFA to ensure that only the official Iranian flag is displayed during Iran’s matches at the 2026 World Cup, amid expectations of large crowds of Iranian expatriates in the United States.

Taj made the remarks ahead of Iran’s opening match against New Zealand, scheduled for Monday in Los Angeles, a city with a significant Iranian community, parts of which are known to oppose the Islamic Republic.

He said FIFA is responsible under tournament protocols, which require that only officially recognized national flags be displayed inside stadiums.

Iranian authorities have expressed concern that fans may attempt to display the pre-1979 Iranian flag featuring the lion-and-sun emblem, as has occurred at previous international events, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where some spectators also protested during the national anthem.

Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said officials will closely monitor flags and slogans inside stadiums and suggested that matches could face suspension if unauthorized symbols appear.

While FIFA regulations prohibit political material in stadiums, enforcement has varied in past tournaments, and procedures for managing fan behavior remain inconsistent.

Taj added that the Iranian federation has formally informed FIFA of the official flag and said the organization has shown willingness to cooperate, though several issues remain unresolved.

AA