Flags have become another unlikely controversy at a World Cup already marked by criticism over ticket prices, food costs and hydration breaks. FIFA’s rules around supporter displays are now drawing extra attention.
There had already been debate around the pre-revolutionary Iran flag, with FIFA’s ban upheld after a late hearing in Los Angeles. Now the talking point has shifted to a customised England flag linked to Barrow AFC.
England beat Croatia 4-2 last Wednesday, but one group of supporters could not show their flag during the game. The reason, according to a BBC report, was the submarine included in the design.
England supporters told Barrow AFC flag could not be displayed
Barrow fans had added the club badge and a submarine silhouette to a St George’s flag.
The image was chosen for a reason. Barrow-in-Furness has a long history of shipbuilding and submarines, and the vessel is closely tied to the town’s identity.
But FIFA rejected the application related to the flag because images of military or weaponry are not allowed under its policy.
The entity later told the group the flag could be approved if the submarine imagery was covered and the application resubmitted.
The episode became the subject of jokes on Barrow’s official X account, as the club posted their badge with the submarine symbol censored and stated: “In order to make sure our supporter John Little can represent the Bluebirds over in Boston properly, we’d like to unveil our new *temporary club badge for the duration of the World Cup…”
“FIFA, let us know if the Arrow has to go too,” the England team message concluded.
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