FIFA bans Iran Lion and Sun flag at 2026 World Cup stadiums

FIFA will prohibit fans from displaying Iran's pre-1979 national flag, known as the Lion and Sun flag, at stadiums during the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The decision, which applies a longstanding stadium code of conduct banning political symbols, has drawn sharp criticism from segments of the Iranian diaspora and opposition figures who view the historic flag as a symbol of national identity and protest.

The governing body's position references Article 3.1.24 of its Stadium Code of Conduct, which bars materials "of a political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature." FIFA confirmed the policy by providing this code when asked specifically about the pre-revolutionary flag. The move follows reported discussions with the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, which had submitted a list of demands for its team's participation, including "respect for the Iranian flag." FIFA described recent talks with Iranian football officials as constructive.

The flag in question features a lion and sun emblem on a tricolor background and was Iran's official national flag until the 1979 Islamic Revolution. It was then replaced by the current state flag, which...