Iran's state-affiliated media has demanded the USA to be kicked out of the World Cup by FIFA after an image of a modified Iran flag in support of women's rights was shared on social media.
The official Twitter account of the US tweeted an image of the standings in Group B after two matches played, removing the Islamic Republic's "Allah" emblem and the "takbirs" from Iran's three-coloured flag. This comes at a time of unrest in Iran, which has seen thousands protesting against the government in response to the death of Masha Amini.
The 22-year-old was arrested in September for allegedly breaching the country's strict rules on women covering their hair with a hijab or headscarf, with some reports suggesting she later died as a result of police brutality. Over 450 people in Iran are understood to have been killed by security forces since protests began following Amini's passing. Showing solidarity with those fighting for change, Iran's players refused to sing their national anthem during their opening World Cup match against England.
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Confirming the reason behind the USMNT's Twitter post, the United States Soccer Federation said in a statement it was to show “support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights.” The state-affiliated Tasnim News Agency have since responded by instructing FIFA to take action.
They tweeted: “According to section 13 of #FIFA rules, any person who offends the dignity or integrity of a country, a person or group of people ... shall be sanctioned with a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specific period, or any other appropriate disciplinary measure.
"By posting a distorted image of the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran on its official account, the #US football team breached the @FIFAcom charter, for which a 10-game suspension is the appropriate penalty. Team #USA should be kicked out of the #WorldCup2022.”
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