UMVA has learned that a proposed flag design for England's World Cup matches has been banned by FIFA due to a surprising reason.
The flag in question features the name and badge of local side Barrow A.F.C. and a silhouette of a submarine, paying homage to the Cumbrian town's submarine and shipbuilding industry. However, when submitted for approval, world football's governing body rejected it due to the image of the submarine.
According to information obtained by UMVA, FIFA's response stated that the application was rejected because the item includes imagery of military equipment, which is not permitted under FIFA policy.
The silhouette of the submarine is also part of the Barrow A.F.C. badge, and supporters are questioning the decision. One supporter, John Little, expressed his disappointment, saying it's "a little bit harsh" to ban the flag for something like that.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the flag was allowed at England's friendly against Costa Rica but not for actual World Cup games. Little and other supporters plan to cover up the image and resubmit their application as per FIFA's instructions.
FIFA's flag policy has been a headache at the World Cup, with Iran supporters banned from taking their pre-revolutionary standard into matches, deemed a political symbol. England fans have also been affected, with many flags forcibly removed by FIFA.
Moreover, flags cannot be draped over LED advertising hoardings in the ground due to safety and security reasons. FIFA allows small flags, banners, and posters made of fire-resistant material, but larger ones require prior approval.
England is set to take on Ghana for their second Group L match in Boston on Tuesday, with kick-off at 9 pm UK time.
