🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Iran warns of potential match suspension over political slogans at 2026 World Cup
via SeneNews1 min read
Iranian authorities have stated they may suspend their national team's matches at the 2026 World Cup if political demonstrations occur in the stands. According to the Iranian news agency ISNA, Sports Minister Ahmed Donyamali announced that FIFA has been informed of Tehran's stance. He indicated that any political slogans or symbols deemed hostile to the Iranian team could lead to the suspension of a match by Team Melli. The minister affirmed, "We have informed FIFA that if protests hostile to the national team are chanted, the coach will be required to suspend the match." Iranian authorities also specified that only the official flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran is permitted in the stands during national team games, with the lion and sun flag, used by some opposition groups, being prohibited. Iran is scheduled to play two group stage matches in Los Angeles, facing New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21. Additionally, the Iranian and Egyptian federations reportedly asked FIFA to prevent any LGBTQ+ related demonstrations during their match on June 27 in Seattle, which local organizers had previously promoted as a "Pride match." Iranian authorities claim to have received assurances from organizers regarding the proper conduct of this match.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
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Must ReadPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye confirmed the official launch of his new political party, Kiiraay – Les Patriotes Républicains, following its constitutive general assembly at the King Fahd Palace in Dakar. The President announced the party's formation on social media, explaining that "Kiiraay" in Wolof means "that which protects." This meaning is reflected in the party's logo, which features an umbrella protecting a map of Senegal. President Faye stated that the party was founded to serve the Republic, described as the home for all citizens, and is open to all republicans without distinction. He concluded his message with the party's slogan: "La Patrie d’abord!" This announcement marks the transformation of the "Diomaye Président" coalition into a structured political party, with the President himself presiding over the event.
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