Saturday, June 20, 2026 -A group of England supporters attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been told they cannot display their flag inside stadiums because it features the silhouette of a submarine, with FIFA classifying the image as military-related.
The supporters, who are from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, had
submitted their St George’s Cross for approval ahead of England’s upcoming
Group L match against Ghana. The flag features the name and crest of Barrow AFC
alongside a submarine silhouette, reflecting the town’s long-standing
association with submarine and shipbuilding industries.
However, FIFA rejected the application, stating that the
design violated tournament regulations prohibiting imagery linked to weapons or
military equipment.
“The application was rejected because the item includes
imagery of weapons or military (submarine),” FIFA said in its response to the
supporters. These are not permitted under FIFA policy. We would be happy to
approve if you were willing and able to submit again with the imagery covered
up.”
The decision has drawn criticism from supporters, who argue
that the submarine symbol represents local heritage rather than military
activity.
Barrow supporter John Little described the ruling as
excessive. “I couldn’t believe it really. It’s
little bit harsh that they’ve done it for something like
that,” he said. “I could understand guns and knives and what have you, but not
a submarine. It’s not like you can go down to the local Walmart and buy a
submarine, is it?” He added that many people had reacted with disbelief to the
decision. “People are just saying how ridiculous it is that they’re not
allowing the flag.”
Despite their frustration, the supporters have indicated
they will follow FIFA’s instructions by covering the submarine image and
resubmitting the flag for approval. The controversy comes amid increased
scrutiny of flags and banners at the World Cup. FIFA has also restricted the
display of certain politically sensitive symbols, including flags used by some
Iranian supporters.
In addition, tournament regulations prohibit fans from
draping flags over LED advertising boards inside stadiums, a rule that led to
several England supporters being asked to remove their banners during the Three
Lions’ opening 4-2 victory over Croatia
FIFA has defended the restrictions on safety and security
grounds. “Small flags, banners and posters made of a fire-resistant material
are allowed in the stadium,” the governing body said. “Larger flags, banners,
posters or instruments must be approved in advance.” England will face Ghana in
their second Group L fixture in Boston, seeking to build on their winning start
to the tournament.
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