Avideh Motmaen-Far: FIFA sides with mullahs in Tehran over the people they oppress (opens original article in a new tab)

FIFA banned Iran's historical Lion and Sun flag at World Cup events, aligning with the Islamic Republic's regime over the people's symbol, while praising its cooperation with Iran's state-controlled football federation.

• FIFA banned the Lion and Sun flag at World Cup events, citing 'political' symbols.
• FIFA praised its talks with Iran's state-controlled football federation while prohibiting the flag of the Iranian people.
• The Lion and Sun flag is a historical national emblem, not a political protest symbol.