A group of football fans at the 2026 World Cup have been told by FIFA that they cannot display their England flag in stadiums – and the reasoning is bizarre to say the least.
The Three Lions kicked off their World Cup campaign in style with a 4-2 win over Croatia in the United States on Wednesday night.
As ever, many supporters from across the country brought their own St. George’s Crosses to display in the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, all of which had to be pre-approved by FIFA.
But fans from Barrow who are planning to support Thomas Tuchel’s men at their next game against Ghana, have been informed that their flag is banned… because it has an image of a submarine on it.
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The flag in question features the name and badge of local side Barrow A.F.C. as well as the silhouette of submarine, a homage to the Cumbrian town’s submarine and shipbuilding industry.
But when submitted for approval, world football’s governing body said the flag would be banned as long as the image of the nautical vehicle remained.
‘The application was rejected because the item includes imagery of weapons or military (submarine),’ FIFA’s response read.
‘These are not permitted under FIFA policy. We would be happy to approve, if you were willing and able to submit again with the imagery covered up.’
Among the Barrow supporters is John Little, who told the BBC: ‘I couldn’t believe it really, it’s a little bit harsh that they’ve done it for something like that.
‘I could understand like guns and knives and what have you, but not a submarine. It’s not like you can go down to the local Walmart and buy a submarine is it.
‘People are just saying how ridiculous it is that they’re not allowing the flag.’
Little also confirmed that they will attempt to cover up the image and resubmit their application as per FIFA’s instructions.
Flags are proving to be a headache at the World Cup, with FIFA also banning Iran supporters from taking the pre-revolutionary standard into their matches, deeming it to be a political symbol.
Moreover, flags cannot be draped over the LED advertising hoardings in the ground, a rule that caught out many Three Lions fans at the Croatia game, with stewards threatening to confiscate them if they were not removed.
FIFA have cited ‘safety and security reasons’ for the ban, adding: ‘Small flags, banners and posters made of a fire-resistant material are allowed in the stadium.
‘Larger flags, banners, posters or instruments must be approved in advance.’
England take on Ghana for their second Group L match in Boston on Tuesday, with kick-off at 9pm UK time.
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