Los Angeles residents debate how to react to Iranian presence at World Cup

US Host City Prepares for Protests Near Stadium as Iran Takes Field Against New Zealand

Los Angeles – The Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles is home to a significant number of Iranian Americans, who have been vocal about their opposition to the Iranian government. Several protests have already taken place against Team Melli, Iran’s national soccer team participating in the World Cup.

Business owner Roozbeh Farahanipour stated that the community is divided on the issue. While some opposition activists plan to protest outside the stadium during Monday’s match against New Zealand, many others simply want to watch the game and are putting politics aside. Farahanipour himself will not be supporting Team Melli due to concerns about the team representing the Iranian government.

Sudi Farokhnia, an Iranian American community organizer in Los Angeles, expressed a different view. She believes that it is possible for individuals to support their country’s national team while opposing its government, citing her own experience of wearing USA attire during a match despite being critical of President Donald Trump.

The US government had initially refused to allow Team Melli to stay in the country, forcing the team to set up base in neighboring Mexico. However, a recent ceasefire deal between Iran and the US has reduced tensions surrounding the World Cup.

Despite this, some anti-Iranian-government activists plan to protest outside the stadium on Monday, citing concerns about the presence of Iran’s pre-revolution flag in the stands. The flag features the lion-and-sun emblem, which is banned by FIFA due to its political significance. It remains unclear how stewards will handle fans who attempt to unfurl antigovernment banners during the match.

Iran’s national team arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday for their opener against New Zealand, with the prospect of renewed fighting between Tehran and Washington subsiding as a result of the ceasefire deal.

Source: Al Jazeera