The US mens football team displayed Irans national flag on social media without the emblem of the Islamic Republic ahead of the two nations' World Cup match on Tuesday, saying it supports "protesters" in Iran.
The Twitter account of the US mens team displayed a banner with the squads matches in the group stage, with the Iranian flag only bearing its green, white and red colors. The same could be seen in a post on its Facebook and Instagram accounts laying out the point totals so far in its group.
According to FIFA regulations, the US soccer team has to be punished with a suspension lasting at least ten matches for violating Irans national and religious identity.
FIFA says any person who offends the dignity or integrity of a country person or group of people through contemptuous, discriminatory or derogatory words or actions (by any means whatsoever) on account of race, skin color, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, language, religion, political opinion, wealth, birth or any other status or any other reason, shall be sanctioned with a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specific period, or any other appropriate disciplinary measure.
The Islamic Republic emblem is four curves with a sword between them. It represents the holy verse: There is no god but Allah. It also resembles a tulip or lotus. At the top and the bottom of the flag, there are 22 inscriptions of God is Great as well, which honors the date on the Persian calendar when the Islamic Revolution took hold.
Following this action, the Iranian Football Federation has sent an email to FIFA, demanding that it should take serious action against the American Football Federation.
The Iranian Football Federation legal advisor, Safiollah Faghanpour, has declared that within the international convention, respecting a countrys flag is a pattern and all countries should obey that. Thats why the action regarding Irans flag is a violation of international and ethical rules, he said, adding that certainly, the Iranian Football Federation will pursue the issue through FIFA Ethics Committee and the Americans should be responsive.
Iran will play the US on Tuesday in its final Group B match. Currently standing second behind England on the points table, Iran will hope to win and advance to the last 16.
By MEHR
