Iran has issued a warning that it may halt its World Cup games if unauthorized flags are displayed or if slogans against the national team are chanted inside stadiums. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali conveyed this message just before Iran’s Group G matches at the World Cup, starting on Thursday. The team is scheduled to play against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in different cities.
“We have informed FIFA that if unofficial flags are brought or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World Cup, the team manager will definitely be responsible for stopping the match,” Donyamali stated as reported by Iranian media. He also mentioned that assurances have been received regarding the team’s last group-stage game against Egypt to ensure no disruptions occur in the stadium.
The warning from Iran comes amidst increased scrutiny of the team’s participation in the tournament. Demonstrators had previously called for Iran’s exclusion from the World Cup, claiming that the national team represented the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rather than the Iranian people. Additionally, concerns have been raised about LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities around Iran’s match against Egypt, designated as a “Pride Match” for Seattle’s Pride weekend celebrations.
Iran’s football federation faced organizational challenges before the World Cup, with its ticket allocation being withdrawn just days before the event, leaving supporters unable to secure access to matches despite having made travel plans. The team, currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, has also encountered travel difficulties due to geopolitical tensions. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Iran’s squad will be allowed to enter the United States the day before each World Cup match.
