Iran has threatened to halt its matches at the World Cup if unauthorised flags are displayed or slogans targeting the national team are chanted at stadiums, Iranian media reported, citing Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, following criticism of the team’s presence at the tournament.
The World Cup begins on Thursday, with Iran opening their Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
They next face Belgium at the same venue on June 21 before taking on Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
“We have informed FIFA that if unofficial flags are brought or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World Cup, the team manager will definitely be responsible for stopping the match,” Donyamali said on Tuesday, according to Iranian media.
“We have been assured that no disruptive incidents will occur in the stadium during the match against Egypt.”
Organisational challenges
