DOHA, Qatar (AP), — A day after Iran and Wales were eliminated from the World Cup , FIFA gave a public assurance Wednesday that banners and rainbow items supporting protests in Iran would be allowed into stadiums.
Qatari security personnel had taken items in rainbow colors and slogans like “Women” from a stadium. Life. Freedom” to prevent them from entering stadiums.
Seven European teams, including Wales, lost the battle to in the first week. Some fans complained that they were not allowed to bring rainbow-colored items into the stadiums of the conservative Islamic Emirate, which is a symbol for LGBTQ rights.
The match between Iran and the United States was emotional for Iranian fans. Some of them had traveled to Qatar to support their team but also to protest the US’s actions in Qatar with flags and banners.
“FIFA is aware that some incidents occurred where allowed items were not permitted to be displayed at stadiums,” the soccer world body stated in a Wednesday statement, more than one week after incidents were reported at World Cup venues. “FIFA received assurances from authorities that venue commanders were contacted regarding the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 rules and regulations.”
FIFA’s assurances have been overruled by Qatari authorities.
After Tuesday’s results, Iran and Wales have been expelled from the World Cup. They will now not be playing any further games.
FIFA stated that FIFA continues to work closely alongside the Host Country in order to implement all relevant regulations and protocols.
