A flag bearing the lion and sun emblem of the former Iranian monarchy was spotted yesterday during a World Cup match between Qatar and Switzerland in Doha. Iranian delegation officials have threatened to halt the team's match if such flags are displayed during Iran's games, according to reports from the tournament.
A flag bearing the lion-and-sun emblem of the former Iranian monarchy was displayed yesterday during the World Cup match between Qatar and Switzerland in Doha, in defiance of FIFA's ban on political symbols at tournament venues. The flag, associated with Iran's pre-1979 imperial state and used by opposition groups abroad, has been a point of contention throughout the tournament.
According to reports circulating at the tournament, the head of the Iranian delegation has repeatedly warned that if such flags are raised during Iran's upcoming matches, the team will walk off the pitch and halt play. Iran's opening match is scheduled against England on November 21.
The incident comes amid broader tensions around Iran's participation in the World Cup, including visa restrictions imposed by the United States on the Iranian team and reported complaints to FIFA by Iranian officials about alleged US interference. FIFA has not issued a public response to the flag incident as of this morning.
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