Iran now demands for U.S. to be kicked out of World Cup following flag saga
Following a contentious display of support on social media, Iran’s state-run media is demanding that the United States be barred from participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) published a post on its social media platforms over the weekend that featured a modified version of the Iranian flag. It was obvious that the golden symbol that normally sits in the middle of the flag to represent the current Islamic rule was missing.
“The US removing it was a great show of support,” explained Bibi Kasrai, who grew up in Iran but now lives in San Diego. “The controversy is of Biblical proportions…the reason is all the unrest in Iran.”
In a statement, the United States Soccer Federation explained that it had made the decision to temporarily refrain from using the official flag on its social media accounts in order to “support the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights.”
Nevertheless, those posts have been removed at this time. On Monday, the head coach of the United States Men’s National Team spoke on the topic.
“We had no idea about what U.S. Soccer put out. The staff, the players had no idea […] Our thoughts and are with the Iranian people, the whole country, the whole team, everyone. But our focus is on this match,” said Gregg Berhalter, Head Coach, USMNT.
The debate arises just before a significant match between Team USA and Iran, which is slated to take place on Tuesday.
Kasrai went on to say that despite the fact that the show of solidarity was only fleeting, it conveyed a message that struck a chord with Iranians who were optimistic about change.
“The fact that we’re already talking about it on social media everywhere…it’s a big deal,” she said.
Iran now demands for U.S. to be kicked out of World Cup following flag saga
