Iran supporters at the World Cup in Los Angeles displayed the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag inside SoFi Stadium, in defiance of a FIFA ban, according to reports.
Ahead of Iran’s World Cup opener against New Zealand on Monday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the stadium in protest against the Iranian authorities. Inside SoFi Stadium, the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag was seen across sections of the crowd, displayed on flags and T-shirts.
FIFA had stated that the pre-revolutionary flag breached its code of conduct, which prohibits banners, flags, apparel and other material of a political, offensive or discriminatory nature at official venues, as decided in May.
Security at SoFi Stadium remained tight, with spectators passing through metal detectors and bag checks. The Post reported that security staff asked some fans to remove T-shirts bearing the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag, and instructed them to turn the garments inside out when no alternative clothing was available. Once inside, enforcement appeared limited, with flags and shirts still visible in the stands.
Some Iranian supporters turned their backs to the pitch during the national anthem.
Outside the stadium, large crowds waved Iranian flags in red, white and green, voicing opposition to the Islamic Republic ahead of kick-off. Some chanted “USA”, while others displayed images of athletes they said had been killed by the authorities.
Los Angeles is home to a large Iranian community, estimated at around 600,000 Persian Americans, many based around Westwood Boulevard, known locally as “Tehrangeles”.
Supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran gathered near SoFi Stadium at around 11 a.m. on Monday. Organisers said the demonstration was intended to highlight what they described as a contrast between the international image of the Iranian authorities and their treatment of dissidents at home.
The rally also drew attention to allegations that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) holds influence over sports bodies in Iran and suppresses athletes involved in dissent or protest.
One protester, Aida Monfared, aged 42, travelled from San Francisco to attend. She told The Post: “This team does not represent the people of Iran. They represent the government of Iran, the government that killed 40,000 people in two days.” She added: “FIFA just banned our real flag, so we are here to show our real flag.”
The Iranian squad arrived in the United States on Sunday, one day before the match, following visa complications involving several senior officials from the football federation over alleged links to the Iranian authorities.
The team stayed at the Westdrift Manhattan Beach hotel, around six miles from SoFi Stadium. The hotel was placed under heavy security, with restricted entry and sealed access points for guests only.
FIFA rules also state that banners, flags, apparel and other items of a political, offensive or discriminatory nature, including those targeting a country, are not permitted inside stadiums.
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