FIFA Bans Pre‑1979 Iranian Flag Ahead of Iran‑New Zealand Game
FIFA has classified the pre‑1979 Lion and Sun flag as a political symbol and prohibited it inside World Cup venues. The ban applies to the match Iran will play against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 15 June.
Roozbeh Farahanipour, an Iranian‑American activist and chief executive of the West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, fled Iran in 2000 after political activism. He says his mother, cousin and friends were killed by the regime and that he opposes both the Iranian government and war.
Arezo Rashidian, a protest organiser, gathered outside SoFi Stadium waving the Lion and Sun flag, describing it as the real flag of Iran. She argues the national team’s emblem represents a government they want removed.
The protestors accuse the Islamic Republic of using sport to project legitimacy abroad while repressing dissent at home. They chant for regime change and display placards that read “Shame on FIFA”.
The Iranian Football Federation reportedly made respect for the official Iranian flag a condition for participation in the tournament. FIFA’s rule classifies any non‑official flag with political connotations as prohibited.
Players have repeatedly asked that politics be kept out of football, according to statements gathered by the BBC. Tannaz Parsi expressed emotional difficulty separating the team from the regime, noting the impact on children.
Farahanipour acknowledges the players’ talent and respects them individually, but says their uniforms tie them to the Islamic Republic. He calls for freedom of expression under the First Amendment and urges FIFA not to interfere.