Doha: Prior to Iran vs USA clash, the U.S. Soccer Federation temporarily flashed Iran’s national flag on social media without the Islamic Republic of Iran’s logo. The Soccer Federation justified it as an act of solidarity with Iranian demonstrators.
The Iranian administration responded by charging the United States with erasing the name of God from its flag. Neither Iran’s UN delegation nor its soccer federation responded to AP’s queries on the same. Iranian state media said that the U.S. federation had “removed the sign of Allah” from the Iranian flag as online debate erupted.
Also Read: Lionel Messi scripts a record riot at the Argentina-Mexico
According to Safiollah Fagahanpour, an advisor to the Iranian Football Federation, “actions made respecting the Islamic Republic of Iran flag are against the law” of FIFA events, according to Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency. He also raised the necessity of holding the US accountable. By doing this, they are undoubtedly trying to influence Iran’s performance against the United States.
The USSF decision has further complicated the already broiled controversial Middle Eastern World Cup. It happened as the United States prepared to play Iran in a pivotal World Cup match. In a statement released early on Sunday, the USSF said it had chosen not to display the national flag on its social media accounts in support of Iranian women who are fighting for fundamental human rights.
On Facebook and Instagram, the posts with the altered flag had been deleted by Sunday afternoon. Additionally, the Twitter banner changed back to the original flag with the emblem. The federation stated, “We wanted to show our support for the women in Iran with our graphic for 24 hours.
At the World Cup, the flag has grown to be a contentious issue. It appears that pro-government supporters have waved it and yelled at the mourners of Amini. A symbol of Iran’s late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, other fans have waved the lion and sun flag during games.
Added security personnel were visible at Iran’s most recent game versus Wales. After Wales’ victory, anti-riot police in Tehran’s capital city—the same ones putting a stop to protests—flaunted the Iranian flag, infuriating protesters.
Iran vs USA match takes place on Tuesday. The Stars and Stripes are in the third position behind Iran. With just a game left in the group stage, the match is do-or-die.
Also Read: The 100 Goals Club: Which teams have scored 100 goals in FIFA World Cup?
