Observers have noted that during pre-match ceremonies at the current World Cup, the flags of Iraq and Saudi Arabia are not allowed to touch the ground before being collected, unlike other national flags. Middle East Eye reports the practice stems from the flags' religious status under the interpretation of Islam by those countries.
A Middle East Eye report highlights that Iraqi and Saudi Arabian flags are handled differently during World Cup pre-match ceremonies: they are collected before ever touching the ground, while other national flags are laid out across the pitch. The practice is attributed to the flags' bearing of the Islamic declaration of faith (shahada) in calligraphy, which under the official religious interpretations of Iraq and Saudi Arabia must not come into contact with the ground.
This is separate from earlier controversies at the tournament involving Israeli, Iranian, and Pride flags — the Zioneer has previously covered disputes over flag displays at World Cup venues, including the removal of an Israeli flag and clashes between Iranian regime supporters and opposition fans. The current report notes that the treatment of the Iraqi and Saudi flags stems from a consistent internal policy, not from any FIFA regulation.
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Source and signal
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