In an op-ed published on Wednesday, May 20, the New York Post characterized the potential ban on bringing the “Lion and Sun” flag into 2026 World Cup stadiums as an “insult to America” and a “gift to the mullahs.”
The American media outlet wrote that removing the flag would effectively mean FIFA capitulating to the demands of the Islamic Republic and erasing millions of Iranians who oppose the regime.
The New York Post also described FIFA’s potential decision as a “direct insult to American democracy.”
The op-ed was published one day after a report surfaced on The Athletic website. On Tuesday, May 19, The Athletic reported that FIFA is reviewing restrictions or a potential ban on certain symbols associated with opponents of the Islamic Republic, including the Lion and Sun flag, inside World Cup stadiums. According to the report, the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran has attempted to reclassify the flag under FIFA regulations concerning “provocative” or “non-football” symbols.
The New York Post further noted that for many Iranian immigrants and opponents of the Islamic Republic, the Lion and Sun flag is viewed as a national and historical symbol, and banning it at a tournament partially hosted on American soil would directly conflict with the principles of free speech.
