Court upholds FIFA's ban on pre-revolution Iranian flag during World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 10:29 PM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge upheld FIFA's ban prohibiting Iran's pre-revolutionary flag from World Cup stadiums before Iran's match against New Zealand in Los Angeles. The ruling was made by Judge Curtis A. Kin, who stated that stadiums are not public spaces for the expression of political views. Despite the decision, fans were seen outside SoFi Stadium carrying the banned flag. A lawsuit by the Institute for Voice of Liberty argued for the flag's protection as symbolic speech. Iran is scheduled to play Belgium next on June 21 and Egypt on June 26.
- •Judge Curtis A. Kin ruled against pre-revolutionary flag use at stadiums.
- •Fans were seen carrying the banned flag despite the ruling.
- •Iran plays New Zealand on June 15, with another match against Belgium on June 21.
- •The flag is linked to the Shah-led regime and current political sentiments in Iran.
- 10:29 PMYahoo Sports — FIFA ban on pre-revolutionary Iranian flag at World Cup games upheld
"The `Lion and Sun' flag is seen by some as symbol of resistance to Iran's current regime
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