The US Soccer Federation displayed the Iranian flag on Twitter without the Islamic Republic’s logo ahead of the match between the United States and Iran in the World Cup in Russia. The United States and Iran have been bitter enemies for years. The two teams meet on Tuesday in the last match of the group and can still qualify for the eighth finals. In the image used by the Football Association, only the colors green, white and red can be seen. Criticism of Iran’s leaders has grown in recent weeks. Thousands of Iranians demonstrated against the country’s oppressive regime. During Iran matches, football fans in the country can see both flags with the crest and flags without. Iran’s players did not sing along to their national anthem before the first match of the World Cup with England. Their silence was seen as support for the demonstrators in Iran. Many players have already expressed their support in recent weeks. Iranian state radio interrupted the broadcast while the national anthem was being played. Football players sang the national anthem to duel with Wales. (AP)
A version of this article also appeared in the November 28, 2022 newspaper
