A Los Angeles court rules that FIFA may prohibit Iran’s former national flag at World Cup matches. Multiple reports say the decision follows an emergency hearing in which a judge rejected arguments that the ban violates free speech. The flag at issue is described as the pre-1979 Iranian national flag, associated with political opposition to the Islamic Republic and used by groups that have long advocated for change in Tehran. One report says the court finds FIFA’s authority to impose restrictions is justified by concerns related to stadium safety and event protocol. The rulings reported by outlets indicate FIFA is permitted to enforce the ban at World Cup venues, despite claims that displaying the flag is protected expression. The decision is presented as allowing FIFA to continue applying its restrictions during matches. The court’s reasoning, as summarized by outlets, centers on that stadium management and match-day procedures can take priority over the asserted speech concerns.