Tehran
Iran has warned that it could halt its FIFA World Cup matches if spectators display unauthorised flags or chant slogans against the national team during games, adding a political dimension to the global football tournament set to begin this week.
According to Iranian media reports, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said authorities had formally communicated their concerns to FIFA and sought assurances that disruptions would not occur during Iran’s matches.
The World Cup begins on Thursday, with Iran opening its Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Iran will then face Belgium on June 21 before concluding the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Donyamali reportedly stated that team officials would take steps to stop a match if what Iran considers unauthorised flags are displayed or anti-team slogans are chanted inside stadiums. He added that Iranian authorities had received assurances regarding the Egypt match and expected no disruptive incidents.
The issue has gained attention because the Iran-Egypt fixture coincides with Seattle’s Pride weekend. Local organisers had previously designated the game as a “Pride Match,” prompting concerns from Iranian officials. Reports indicate that the football federations of both Iran and Egypt had urged FIFA to prevent Pride-related activities linked to the match.
Iran’s participation in the World Cup has also attracted criticism from some activist groups. Earlier this year, demonstrators gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver calling for Iran to be excluded from the tournament, arguing that the national team represents the country’s ruling establishment rather than its people.
Beyond the political controversy, Iran’s football federation has also complained about logistical challenges. Officials said a ticket allocation reserved for supporters was withdrawn shortly before the tournament, affecting fans who had already made travel arrangements.
The Iranian squad is currently training in Tijuana and is expected to travel to the United States before each match under arrangements coordinated with U.S. authorities.
With geopolitical tensions and off-field debates intensifying, Iran’s World Cup campaign is set to unfold under intense international scrutiny both on and off the pitch.
