Iran's state-affiliated media has called for FIFA to kick USA OUT of the World Cup after they posted an altered image of the Iranian flag as a show of support for women's rights in Iran.
The official Twitter account of the US national football team posted an image of the World Cup Group B standings but decided to remove the Islamic Republic's "Allah" emblem and the "takbirs" from Iran's three-coloured flag. The move comes amid nationwide protests in Iran challenging Tehran’s theocratic government continue.
The USMNT account posted an image of the group which only showed the Iranian flag bearing its green, white and red colours but without any symbol of the Islamic Republic. This has allegedly breached FIFA guidelines, as pointed out by Iran's state-affiliated media Tasnim News Agency. The USMNT say the gesture was to show "support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights" and they added it was a one-time display and it will restore the symbol moving forward.
They wrote on Twitter, alongside a screenshot of the relevant FIFA rule: “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.”
The state-media outlet added: 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.”
Iran’s World Cup campaign has been played to the backdrop of severe unrest and tensions in their home nation. Upon the Islamic Republic's request, Qatari authorities have been preventing Iranian fans from carrying "Lion and Sun" flag - which used to be Iran's national flag before 1979 Islamic Revolution - or the three-coloured flag with "Woman, Life, Freedom" slogan.
Team Melli fans at their opening two World Cup matches could be heard jeering to drown out the sound of their national anthem, which expresses its desire for the Islamic Republic to live forever. One group of Iran fans have also produced a flag in the stands which read: "Woman, Life, Freedom."
Hundreds of protestors have died in Tehran and other cities following the death in morality police custody of Mahsa Amini two months ago. The 22-year-old woman died in police custody having been arrested for not wearing her hijab correctly.
Saman Ghoddos, the only Iranian in the Premier League, last week told Mirror Football this month that it was right for players to speak up in support of those who are calling for change - regardless of potential repercussions.
Iran will play USA in their final Group B clash with a play in the Round of 16 up for grabs. England lead the group on four points, while Iran are on three points – having defeated Wales – with USA on two and Wales propping up the group with a solitary point.
