Iran has called on FIFA to kick the United States out of the World Cup after the U.S. team’s social media account posted a graphic depicting the Iranian flag without the emblem of the Islamic Republic.
The image in question, which can be seen below, has since been deleted.
According to the United States Soccer Federation, the image with the modified flag was displayed on social media for 24 hours to show “support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights”.
In response, the Iranian government stated, “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.” This statement was released by the Iran state-aligned Tasnim news agency via Twitter on Sunday further adding that “Team #USA should be kicked out of the #WorldCup2022.”
Tasnim also reported that Iran will file a complaint with FIFA’s Ethics Committee.
FIFA hasn’t made any mention regarding the social media post or Iran’s statement as the two countries are set to face off on the pitch Tuesday in a pivotal must-win for both teams if they wish to advance to the knockout round of this year’s World Cup.
The Irony regarding the United States’ actions
As Iran competes in this year’s World Cup, the country itself has been facing domestic protests over women’s rights notably after Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman was allegedly beaten to death by Iran’s morality police over a religious dress code. Last week, during Iran’s opening match against England, supporters of the country’s national team in attendance booed the Iranian national anthem reportedly in protest while the players on the field stood silent opting not to sing along.
It should go without saying that the people of Iran on the ground and in the streets fighting for equity within their society should have the full support of the world. However, the menial actions of the USSF and their social media post is more so rooted in theatrics and global politics than anything else. Players, coaches, and fans can have their opinions on the situation happening in Iran, however, the USSF as a body should probably sit this one out. This is all considering the rampant abuse that was unearthed within women’s soccer in the United States just this year. Not to mention the action taken by the SCOTUS to overturn Roe and strip the bodily autonomy of over half of the U.S. population in 2022.
So yes, support the push for equity in Iran. Support the fans and players looking to take a stand against such injustices. But also take aim at the hypocrisies happening within your own households.
