LA court rules FIFA can ban former Iranian flag at World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 7:56 PM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
A Los Angeles court has ruled that FIFA is permitted to ban the former Iranian flag at World Cup matches. This decision follows a lawsuit from the Institute for Voice of Liberty, which argued against FIFA's ban citing freedom of speech. The former flag, used before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, represents the Iranian opposition amid ongoing political tensions. The Iranian government is pressuring FIFA to ensure the current national flag is displayed during matches, warning that the team may withdraw from games if political messages are present in stadiums.
- •LA court grants FIFA authority to ban the former Iranian flag.
- •The flag represents the Iranian opposition pre-1979 revolution.
- •The Institute for Voice of Liberty filed the lawsuit.
- •Iran insists on displaying the official flag during matches.
- •Sports Minister warns of potential match withdrawals over political slogans.
- 7:56 PMYahoo Sports — Report: LA court says FIFA permitted to ban former Iran flag
"Football governing body FIFA is allowed to ban the former Iranian flag at World Cup matches, a Los Angeles court ruled on Monday, according to sports portal The Athletic. The flag - official in Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution - is considered a symbol of the Iranian opposition, which has been pushing for a change in government in Tehran even before the war with the US and Israel.
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