Protests erupt outside Iran’s World Cup opener after court upholds flag ban

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIran protest held over FIFA's ban of Lion-and-Sun flagsIranian Americans protested at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles during Iran's World Cup 2026 opener, displaying the banned pre-revolutionary flag. The protests reflect ongoing anger against the Iranian government, with Los Angeles being a significant center for the Iranian diaspora. A lawsuit challenging FIFA's ban on political symbols, specifically the pre-revolutionary flag, was denied by Judge Curtis A. Kin, upholding the ban. Fans were divided, with some attending to protest or boo the Iranian team, while others urged unity and support for Team Melli. Iran's participation in the tournament has sparked controversy due to geopolitical tensions and concerns over Tehran's crackdown on protesters. In fullWhy Fifa has banned Iran’s pre-revolutionary flag at World CupThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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