Overview
- FIFA ruled that lion-and-sun flags and apparel linked to Iran’s former monarchy are not allowed inside World Cup stadiums.
- Officials point to a stadium code that bans items deemed political, offensive or discriminatory from event venues.
- The Palestinian flag remains permitted because it is the approved banner of a FIFA member association.
- Iranian diaspora figures and exiled opposition leaders condemned the decision and urged protests outside matches, especially in Los Angeles.
- FIFA confirmed Iran’s national team will take part in the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.