LA court rules FIFA can ban former Iranian flag at World Cup
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 10:26 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.
- 10:26 PMYahoo Sports — FIFA ban of pre-revolutionary Iran flag at World Cup will stand after last-minute hearing in Los Angeles
- 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.
"Iran has been one of the World Cup’s major talking points before even kicking a ball. Geopolitical tension between Iran and the United States put their participation under scrutiny, while the team also changed its training base amid a complicated build-up.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 10:26 PMFIFA ban of pre-revolutionary Iran flag at World Cup will stand after last-minute hearing in Los Angeles
Iran has been one of the World Cup’s major talking points before even kicking a ball. Geopolitical tension between Iran and the United States put their participation under scrutiny, while the team also changed its training base amid a complicated build-up.
- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 7:56 PMReport: 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.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- MLS•Oct 25, 2026, 2:23 AMRevolution put end to Union's club-record 15-match unbeaten streak with 2-1 victory
MLS•Oct 24, 2026, 11:59 PMRed Bulls use own goal to grab lead, then Emil Forsberg to wrap up 2-0 victory over Inter Miami
MLS•Oct 19, 2026, 1:58 AMFC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew meet for critical Hell is Real battle
MLS•Oct 18, 2026, 2:35 AMNew England Revolution vs New York Red Bulls- MLS•Oct 18, 2026, 2:07 AMMatt Polster, Matt Turner guide Revolution to 1-0 victory over Fire
MLS•Oct 17, 2026, 8:52 PMPhiladelphia Union vs New England Revolution