World Cup nation's fans risk punishment after breaking strict FIFA protocol
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA made it clear in their regulations that any political, offensive, or discriminatory items are prohibited inside stadiums, including flags, banners, slogans, and clothing.
It was even seen in their decision to force Haiti to change the design of their kit for the competition after it had initially depicted the Battle of Vertieres on the front; the famous conflict in 1803 was significant in securing Haiti's independence from France the following year.
Fans from across the globe were warned about bringing items into stadiums that could cause controversy due to their political nature; however, they appear to have failed in this and may need to take action against a nation’s fans for the flag they brought to a match.
A ’rising sun’ flag was spotted in the stands during the Japan vs. Tunisia match, which has caused outrage in countries including China and South Korea.
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This flag is widely regarded as a symbol of Japan's wartime aggression and colonial rule, as it was used by the Imperial Japanese Army before and during World War II when they invaded countries in the Asia Pacific, including China, South Korea, and the Philippines, with it evoking historical trauma and pain for these Southeast Asian nations. As a result, its use at international sporting events and other global platforms has repeatedly sparked controversy.
As per media reports, according to the Global Times, Japanese fans had attempted to bring the "rising sun" into stadiums during the 2022 Qatar World Cup; however, security staff immediately intervened and prevented these supporters from waving the flag inside the stadium.
In response to the ‘rising sun’ flag being spotted at the match, Seong-Deok Seo, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, has filed an official complaint with FIFA.
As reported in the Asia Business Daily, he said: “It is regrettable that such measures were not taken at this North and Central American World Cup.
"It is unacceptable for the Rising Sun flag to be displayed in the World Cup, an event meant to unite people across nationalities and races.
“The use of the Rising Sun flag serves as a painful reminder of war for Asian football fans.
"FIFA must block Japanese supporters from bringing the Rising Sun flag into stadiums in the future and take prompt measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
“This incident should serve as an opportunity to widely publicize the problems associated with the Rising Sun flag to global football fans who may not be familiar with its history.
"Above all, I will do my utmost to ensure the complete eradication of the Rising Sun flag through continued international discourse."
Topics: Japan, FIFA World Cup, Football World Cup, Football, Football News
Brendan McGilligan