Despite FIFA’s plans to keep them out of World Cup venues, pre-revolutionary Iran flags were visible inside Levi’s Stadium during Saturday’s group-stage match between Qatar and Switzerland.
Several news outlets have reported that supporters were unfurling the flags during the first half, even though FIFA had previously indicated such symbols would fall under its restrictions on political material at the tournament.
Under FIFA’s guidelines, “Any materials, including but not limited to banners, flags, fliers, apparel and other paraphernalia, that are of a political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature, containing wording, symbols or any other attributes aimed at discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or group on account of race, skin colour, ethnicity, national or social origin, gender identity and expression, disability, language, religion, political opinion or any other opinion, birth, wealth or any other status, sexual orientation or on any other grounds.”
