Iran has threatened to interrupt its World Cup matches if unauthorized flags are displayed or chants against the national team occur inside stadiums, according to Iranian press reports citing Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali.
The statement comes after criticism of the Iranian team’s participation in the tournament. The World Cup starts this Thursday (11), and Iran debuts in Group G against New Zealand, in Los Angeles, on June 15. Then, they face Belgium in the same stadium, on June 21st, and close the group stage against Egypt, in Seattle, on the 26th.
“We have informed FIFA that, if unofficial flags are taken or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World Cup, the person responsible for the team will have the obligation to stop the match,” said Donyamali, according to local press.
The minister also said that the Iranian federation has received guarantees that there will be no incidents during the confrontation against Egypt.
The match between Iran and Egypt had already generated debate off the field. The federations of both countries asked FIFA to avoid activities related to LGBTQIA+ pride during the duel in Seattle, which was chosen by local organizers as a “Pride Game”, in reference to the weekend of the city’s parade.
In April, demonstrators protested outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, calling for Iran’s exclusion from the World Cup. The groups claimed that the selection represents the , not the Iranian population.
The team also faces logistical difficulties. Iran’s federation said it was just a few days before the tournament, harming fans who had already planned trips to watch the games.
Currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, the Iranian team will be able to enter the United States just one day before each match, according to the American Department of Homeland Security, amid a political scenario that has added a .
