FIFA faces legal action threat over plan to ban Iran's pre-revolutionary flag at World Cup 2026

FIFA is facing the threat of formal legal action over reported plans to prohibit Iran’s pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag from World Cup 2026 stadiums across North America this summer.

The Institute for Voices of Liberty wrote to FIFA outlining its concerns, with legal counsel Shahrokh Mokhtarzadeh warning that the governing body’s response — or lack of one — could trigger “formal proceedings in Superior Court, State of California, or Federal Courts in California.” Speaking towards the end of last week, Mokhtarzadeh confirmed no reply had been received after three days, adding: “We are preparing to commence appropriate legal proceedings in case of attempts by FIFA to exclude the Lion and Sun flag.”

Reports surfaced last week that official venue guidance would move to ban the flag outright. When pressed, FIFA published its list of prohibited items — which bars materials of a “political, offensive, and/or discriminatory nature” — but declined to specify which criterion the flag is deemed to violate. The ambiguity has drawn an outraged reaction from the Iranian diaspora across the United States.

The Lion and Sun flag carries deep cultural and emotional significance for many Iranians. It served as the country’s national emblem before being outlawed following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and its display has become a symbol of opposition to the current Iranian government.

Iranian FA president Mehdi Taj has previously argued that Iran’s participation in the tournament is contingent on banning unofficial flags, including the Lion and Sun. His position puts him at odds with the diaspora communities who have rallied behind the symbol.

Iran’s road to the World Cup has been turbulent well beyond the flag dispute. Taj recently confirmed the squad has yet to obtain visas for the competition, which is due to begin on June 11. Security concerns over the team’s presence in the United States have also loomed large given ongoing geopolitical tensions, compounded when Donald Trump initially called for Iran’s removal from the tournament. Iran responded by demanding the USA be expelled from the 2026 competition. Trump subsequently said he was “OK” with Iran participating, and Iran even explored relocating its matches to Mexico — a proposal welcomed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.