FIFA World Cup: Iran warns to halt matches over unauthorised flags and anti-team slogans
New Delhi, June 10
Iran has warned it could stop its World Cup matches if unauthorised flags are displayed or slogans targeting the national team are chanted inside stadiums, according to reports in Iranian media citing Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali.
The warning comes just days before Iran starts its Group G campaign at the World Cup, which begins on Thursday. Iran will face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium at the same venue on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
"We have informed FIFA that if unofficial flags are brought or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World Cup, the team manager will definitely be responsible for stopping the match," Donyamali said on Tuesday, according to Iranian media.
The minister added that Iranian officials had received assurances about the team's final group-stage fixture. "We have been assured that no disruptive incidents will occur in the stadium during the match against Egypt," he said.
These comments come amid growing scrutiny of Iran's participation in the tournament. In April, demonstrators gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver and called for Iran to be excluded from the World Cup. They argued that the national team represented the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rather than the Iranian people.
Iran's match against Egypt has also gained attention after the football associations of both countries reportedly urged FIFA to prevent LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities around the game. Local organisers have designated this match as a "Pride Match" for Seattle's Pride weekend celebrations.
Off the field, the Iranian team has faced several organisational issues ahead of the tournament. Iran's football federation stated its ticket allocation was withdrawn just days before the World Cup. This left supporters, who had already made travel plans, unable to secure access to matches.
The team is currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, and has also dealt with travel challenges due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently confirmed that Iran's squad will be allowed to enter the United States the day before each of its World Cup matches.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The whole situation is messy. We in India know how sensitive flags can be, but stopping a match is extreme. Also, the Pride match issue - forcing their views on hosts is not cricket... or football in this case. Let players play, let fans cheer. Simple.
I feel bad for the Iranian players. They train hard, get no proper tickets for fans, face travel issues, and now this flag drama. 😔 For a country that loves football (remember 1998 when they beat USA?), this is shameful. Hope FIFA steps in and supports players over politicians.
Interesting how they're scared of their own people. The ticket fiasco is telling - if your own fans can't get tickets, something's wrong. And this "Pride Match" controversy? Just let people live, yaar. India sees how forced uniformity stifles true passion. Iran should listen to its youth.
Honestly, as an Indian, I find this hypocritical. We also have issues with political interference in sports (remember BCCI vs government?). But threatening to stop a World Cup match? That's a whole new level. The players deserve better. Let the football do the talking. ⚽
Pride match or not, forcing your entire squad into last-minute visa chaos is poor planning. Our desi jugaad is legendary, but even we can't fix this mess. Iran needs to get its act together or stay home. The World Cup is for celebrating diversity, not controlling narratives.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.