Egypt's Hossam Hassan shows Palestine flag after penalty shootout win

In principle, the 211 flags of FIFA's member associations are permitted. What is generally prohibited, however, is any flag that can be assigned to the 211 FIFA member associations. As a result, the question of whether the Palestine flag may be displayed in the stadium is closely tied to the political status of a potential FIFA member.

FIFA rules on flags

The Palestinian flag had already been visible at previous tournaments. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, it was ubiquitous, with Moroccan players displaying it repeatedly throughout the tournament. Supporters of the Spanish club Athletic Bilbao had also drawn attention waving Palestinian flags.

FIFA had already banned political symbols in stadiums in the past. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the organization prohibited the German team, among others, from wearing "One Love" armbands. The enforcement of such rules is repeatedly the subject of international debate.

Political symbols in football

Other flags also regularly cause a stir. For instance, Gianni Infantino and Mark Carney were filmed signing a Russian flag at a match in Canada. In the stands, at least the Russian flag appeared to be visible recently as well.

Background of the Middle East conflict

The background of the conflict to which Hassan alluded with his gesture dates back to October 2023: terrorists from Hamas had advanced from the Gaza Strip into Israel, killing more than 1,100 people and abducting hundreds as hostages into the Gaza Strip. A military conflict has since been raging in the region, repeatedly spilling over into international sports arenas.

Whether FIFA will impose consequences in Hassan's case initially remained open. Egypt is preparing for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico; the tournament will be staged in several North American cities, including Los Angeles. Hassan's gesture raises the question of how the world governing body will handle political expressions by coaches and players in the future.