World Cup: what the atmosphere was like in the stadium during Iran's debut in the United States
The Iran team debuted in the World Cup, this Monday (15), in Los Angeles, with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand. In the stands, the atmosphere mixed support for the national team and political demonstrations by Iranian-Americans opposed to the government in Tehran.
The match took place after days of strong geopolitical tension. The confrontation took place on American soil less than 24 hours after the announcement of a peace agreement to end the war that began when the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February.
The Iranian players arrived in the United States on Sunday from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, to play the team's first match of the tournament.
At SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the city that is home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran, many fans reported conflicting feelings between excitement for the World Cup, outrage at the repression in Tehran and concern about American bombings.
Fans turn Iran game into a stage for demonstrations
Although most fans enthusiastically supported the team, many displayed pre-revolution flags from 1979, marked by the symbol of the lion and the sun, currently associated with movements opposing the Iranian government.
Some went further and even cheered for New Zealand or booed their own team. Part of the Iranian diaspora considers the national team an indirect representation of the regime installed in Tehran.
Outside the stadium, hundreds of demonstrators held protests with flags and posters against the Iranian government, expanding the political atmosphere that surrounded the team's debut.
Iran had threatened to halt matches if unofficial flags were displayed or slogans were chanted during games. Still, several fans with symbols of the old flag passed through security without any problems.
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Duel between Iran and New Zealand, valid for the first round of the World Cup - Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
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New Zealand's Elijah Just celebrating one of his goals against Iran in the first round of the World Cup - Matt McNulty - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
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Match between Iran and New Zealand, valid for the first round of the World Cup - Jamie Squire/Getty Images
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New Zealand's Elijah Just celebrating his goal against Iran in the World Cup - Harry How/Getty Images
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Moment of New Zealand's goal against Iran, in a duel in the first round of the World Cup - Stu Forster/Getty Images
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Ball dispute in the game between Iran and New Zealand, for the World Cup - Stu Forster/Getty Images
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FIFA avoids commenting on the specific case of the Iranian flag
When asked previously about the topic, FIFA pointed to its rules that prohibit flags and clothing of a political nature within competitions organized by the entity.
The highest governing body in world football, however, did not specifically comment on its position on the pre-revolution Iranian flag and also did not comment immediately after Monday's match.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was present at the stadium to watch the clash between Iran and New Zealand.
Three fans dressed in white t-shirts printed with the lion and sun symbols said they had decided to wear the pieces despite warnings issued before the match.
Fans demand focus on football and leave politics aside
"This team is not the team of the Iranian people," said Farhad Jafargad, one of the fans who came to the stadium wearing the symbol associated with opposition to the regime.
Other fans displayed the official Iranian flag and complained of provocations from protesters. Many argued that attention should remain focused solely on the team, affectionately known as Team Melli.
"We are very proud of our country," said Mehdi Jafari, 57, as he walked to the stadium wearing the Iranian national team shirt.
"We're here to support Iran. I think we should all put politics aside and just come and support Team Melli," he added.
War and controversies surround Iran's participation
Iran's presence in the games played in the United States has been marked by controversies linked to the conflict that has already left at least 7,000 dead, the majority in Iran and Lebanon.
The scenario follows the national protests that took place in January within Iran, when thousands of people died during government-led repression.
In recent weeks, the team transferred its training base from Arizona to Mexico. At the same time, the Iranian federation complained that part of its delegation did not receive American visas.
The organization also stated that tickets previously allocated to its fans had been cancelled, increasing tensions behind the scenes of Iran's participation in the World Cup.
USA allows Iran in the World Cup, but vetoes links to the Revolutionary Guard
Source: CNN