Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 17
World Cup Staff Seize Israeli Flag at SoFi as Palestinian Flags Remain in 70,000-Seat Stadium
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 17

World Cup Staff Seize Israeli Flag at SoFi as Palestinian Flags Remain in 70,000-Seat Stadium

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 17

Summary

  • Video from Monday’s Iran-New Zealand match at SoFi Stadium shows security taking an Israeli flag from Los Angeles fan Rony while nearby Palestinian flags stayed in the stands.
  • Apex Private Security told him the flag had to be removed for his “safety,” and another staffer said FIFA personnel made the call; a later staff member said only flags of the teams playing were allowed.
  • Rony said he was singled out in a sold-out crowd where he also saw flags from Lebanon, Mexico and elsewhere, and said staff told him Palestinian flags were not a concern.
  • FIFA rules let organizers order confiscation of flags and ban political materials, but Getty images showed Palestinian flags at other World Cup matches, and FIFA, SoFi Stadium and the Los Angeles Host Committee gave no immediate explanation.

Insights

Was confiscating the Israeli flag a security call or a political double standard by FIFA at the World Cup?
As FIFA selectively enforces bans, what are the true limits of fan expression on private property during the tournament?