Washington (Sports Desk) A U.S. court has upheld FIFA’s decision to ban the use of the former Iranian imperial-era flag during football matches.
According to the ruling, only Iran’s official national flag will be permitted to be displayed inside stadiums during international football competitions.
The decision has disappointed supporters of the former monarchy, while the issue has once again become a subject of political and symbolic debate.
It is noted that the flag associated with the imperial era is similar to Iran’s current national flag but includes the historic “lion and sun” emblem, which was a symbol of the monarchy before the 1979 revolution.
The case was filed in a Los Angeles County court, arguing that such a restriction violates freedom of expression. However, Judge Curtis A. Kin ruled after a brief hearing that FIFA’s ban would remain in effect.