World Cup: Iran Threatens to Suspend Matches Over Stadium Flags, Slogans

Iran has warned that it could halt its World Cup matches if unauthorised flags are displayed or hostile slogans directed at the national team are chanted inside stadiums, according to Iranian media reports.

The warning was issued by Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who said the team would not hesitate to stop play if it is subjected to what Tehran considers provocative conduct during matches.

“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 was quoted as saying by Iranian media.

He added that assurances had been received that no disruptive incidents would occur during Iran’s fixtures, particularly its encounter against Egypt in Seattle.

The tournament, which kicked off yesterday, sees Iran open its Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. The team will also face Belgium on June 21 at the same venue before concluding its group stage against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.

Tensions have already surrounded Iran’s participation, with Iranian and Egyptian football authorities previously urging FIFA to restrict LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities during the Seattle fixture, which local organisers have designated as a “Pride Match” to coincide with Seattle’s Pride celebrations.

Outside the tournament environment, Iran’s presence has also drawn political attention. In April, protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, calling for Iran’s exclusion from the competition, arguing that the national team is closely linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rather than representing ordinary citizens.

Organisational issues have further complicated Iran’s build-up, with reports that the country’s ticket allocation was withdrawn shortly before the tournament, leaving some supporters stranded after making travel arrangements.

The team is currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, and is expected to travel into the United States a day before each match, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The arrangement comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions that have added an unusual political backdrop to the tournament.