Iran calls for U.S. expulsion from the World Cup claiming it 'disrespected' flag


Iran's soccer federation has called for the U.S. to be expelled from the World Cup, claiming that the country "disrespected" Iran's flag in social media posts. The U.S. Soccer Federation, in a now-deleted post, included a graphic of the Iranian flag without the emblem of the Islamic Republic, drawing ire from Iran, CNN reports.
The U.S. reportedly removed the emblem in support of the women protesting in Iran. It specified that it was a "one-time graphic," and that the unaltered flag is present everywhere else in its media. "The United States continues to find ways to support the Iranian people in the face of state-sponsored violence against women," the U.S. State Department told CNN.
"The action conducted in relation to the Iranian flag is unethical and against international law," said Safia Allah Faghanpour, a legal adviser to Iran's soccer federation. Iran also cites a violation of FIFA's regulation where a team would be penalized for offending the "dignity or integrity of a country, a person or group of people through contemptuous, discriminatory or derogatory words or actions," The New York Times reports. The Iranian soccer federation said it intends to file a complaint with FIFA's ethics board.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Iranian team previously protested against its government by staying silent during the country's national anthem. The U.S. is set to play against Iran on Tuesday in a match that determines whether it can stay in the tournament.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.
-
The Week Unwrapped: Can bullfighting win over young Spaniards
Podcast Plus, is online fandom inherently unhealthy? And is Putin’s economy running out of gas?
-
Heirs and Graces: an ‘enthralling’ deep dive into the decline of nobility
The Week Recommends Eleanor Doughty explores the ‘bizarre fascination’ with the British aristocracy
-
The week’s best photos
In Pictures A monstrous pumpkin, a sumo showdown, and more
-
Madagascar president in hiding, refuses to resign
Speed Read Andry Rajoelina fled the country amid Gen Z protests and unrest
-
Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime minister
In the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
-
Israel, Hamas agree to first step of Trump peace plan
Speed Read Israel’s military pulls back in Gaza amid prisoner exchange
-
Israel intercepts 2nd Gaza aid flotilla in a week
Speed Read The Israeli military intercepted a flotilla of nine boats with 145 activists aboard along with medical and food aid
-
Japan poised to get first woman prime minister
Speed Read The ruling Liberal Democratic Party elected former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi
-
Israel and Hamas meet on hostages, Trump’s plan
Speed Read Hamas accepted the general terms of Trump’s 20-point plan, including the release of all remaining hostages
-
US tipped to help Kyiv strike Russian energy sites
Speed Read Trump has approved providing Ukraine with intelligence for missile strikes on Russian energy infrastructure
-
Netanyahu agrees to Trump’s new Gaza peace plan
Speed Read At President Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, they agreed upon a plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza