• Loading stock data...
Thursday, July 3, 2025

FIFA Will Now Allow Rainbows and Protest Banners at World Cup

  • Fans’ items with rainbow colors had been seized by stadium security staff.
  • Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar.
Gay rights activist invades pitch during World Cup in Qatar
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

The 2022 FIFA World Cup’s group stage is almost over, but the tournament’s organizers are still switching up their policies.

FIFA assured fans on Wednesday that they could bring rainbow items and banners supporting protests in Iran after the country was eliminated a day earlier.

  • Fans’ items with rainbow colors — a symbol of LGBTQ rights — and slogans such as “Women. Life. Freedom.” had been seized by stadium security staff throughout the tournament.
  • Homosexuality is illegal in host nation Qatar.

“FIFA is aware of some incidents where permitted items were not allowed to be displayed at stadiums,” the governing body wrote. “FIFA has received assurances by authorities that venue commanders have been contacted in relation to the agreed rules and regulations.”

Field level view of match during 2022 Qatar World Cup

First All-Female Referee Team To Take Pitch During A Men’s World Cup

A match Thursday will feature Karen Dia, Neuza Back, and Stephanie Frappart.
November 30, 2022

Hours before the tournament began, FIFA warned teams in the tournament that players would receive yellow cards if they wore multicolored “One Love” armbands during matches.

Saudis Say No

This year’s World Cup is the first time an Arab nation was awarded the tournament, and it could be a while until another hosts again.

Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia’s tourism minister Ahmed Al Khateeb said the nation was considering a joint bid with Egypt and Greece for the 2030 World Cup, but a tourism ministry spokesperson later clarified that “Saudi Arabia does not have an official bid to host the FIFA World Cup.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

WNBA Players Reject League’s First CBA Offer

Players felt the initial proposal wasn’t “entirely responsive” to their request.

NHL to Rejoin Olympic Ice in Milan—and NBC Set to Cash In

NHL players last competed in the Olympics in 2014.

Commanders’ $3.8B Stadium Deal in Jeopardy? Mayor Sounds the Alarm

Political tensions rise about delays in stadium funding approval.

Featured Today

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 13, 2018; Moscow, Russia; A general view of a beer stand inside of Luschniki Stadium one day prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Saudi Arabia Says No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia won’t allow alcohol anywhere during the 2034 World Cup.
August 30, 2024

Premier League Transfer Spending Has Already Topped $2 Billion As Deadline Looms

Saudi Pro League teams haven’t yet matched their English counterparts.
January 13, 2025

Gavin Newsom Reveals Status of 2028 Olympics As Los Angeles Wildfires Roar

Gavin Newsom says there’s a “Marshall Plan” to rebuild Los Angeles.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Paralympics Tiktok
August 25, 2024

The Wildly Successful Paralympics TikTok Account Isn’t What You Think

A cheeky TikTok account is opening the world of Paralympic sports.
August 11, 2024

Passing of the Torch: Los Angeles Set for Olympic Firsts in 2028

The city last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1984.
August 1, 2024

Saudi Arabia Submits Bold World Cup Bid That Includes a Cliffside Arena

The Saudis are proposing a new stadium in a futuristic city called Neom.
John John Florence (USA) surfs in men’s round two competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach.
July 29, 2024

Olympic Surfers Won’t Get Their Full Paris Moment

‘We’re kind of separate off on our own little thing over here.’