Court Upholds FIFA's Ban on Pre-Revolution Flags for Iranian Fans

A recent court ruling has upheld FIFA's ban on pre-revolution flags for Iranian fans during the World Cup, emphasizing the limitations of free speech in private venues. This decision came just before Iran's match against New Zealand, amidst ongoing controversies surrounding Iran's participation in the tournament. The ruling highlights the complexities of managing safety and protocol at large sporting events, particularly in light of the political tensions between Iran and the USA. Read on to discover more about the implications of this ruling and the background of the flag in question.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 16, 2026, 04:23 IST

FIFA's Controversial Flag Ban

In a significant ruling, a court upheld FIFA's decision to prohibit Iranian fans from displaying pre-revolution flags during the FIFA World Cup. This decision came just hours before Iran's national team faced New Zealand in their opening match of the tournament on June 15 at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles.

The ban, which sparked a lawsuit from the Institute for Voice of Liberty and fan Sam Kermanian, was expedited through the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Judge Curtis A. Kin ruled in favor of FIFA, emphasizing that while free speech is vital, it is not absolute and can be restricted in private venues.

Judge Kin stated, “Free speech is incredibly important, it is sacred, a bedrock of our society, but it is not without limitation.” He highlighted the logistical challenges and potential safety concerns for the stadium staff, noting the difficulties in altering established protocols for such a large event on short notice.

The pre-revolution flag, which features a gold lion against a rising sun, is reminiscent of Iran's former regime prior to the 1979 revolution. FIFA cited its stadium code of conduct to justify the ban, which prohibits any political or discriminatory materials, including flags and banners.

Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been marred by various controversies, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with the USA. The Iranian team has faced challenges in securing visas and had to relocate their training to Mexico, only entering the USA on match days.