Strict on Haiti, Lenient on Japan? FIFA Urged to Address Rising Sun Flag Controversy

Controversy is mounting as FIFA remains silent on the display of the Rising Sun Flag at World Cup stadiums, despite having previously demanded a design change for the Haiti national team's uniform.

Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, announced today (June 26) that he has sent a second letter of protest to FIFA regarding Japanese supporters unfurling the Rising Sun Flag during the Japan vs. Tunisia match in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.

Seo had previously sent an initial protest letter on the 23rd, but as FIFA has yet to provide a clear stance, he has once again urged an official response.

Through his social media account today, Professor Seo stated, "In this letter, I emphasized that FIFA had declared before the World Cup that it prohibits the entry of any items with political, offensive, or discriminatory characteristics, including flags, banners, slogans, and clothing within the stadium."

He also urged FIFA to provide a prompt response by citing the case where the organization demanded a design change for the Haiti national team's uniform before the tournament. FIFA had argued that the uniform, which featured a painting of the 'Battle of Vertières'—a pivotal moment in Haiti's 1803 independence from France—contained historical and political elements.

Seo criticized FIFA's failure to address the Japanese supporters' use of the Rising Sun Flag, stating it is "an act that undermines the standards FIFA set for itself." He added that he conveyed to FIFA that major international media outlets are also pointing out the problematic nature of this display.

(Photo: Provided by Professor Seo Kyoung-duk, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.