FIFA keeps Saudi flag raised to respect Kalima

FIFA kept Saudi Arabia’s national flag raised during the World Cup pre-match ceremony against Uruguay, respecting the country’s tradition that the flag carrying the Kalima (Islamic declaration of faith) must not touch the ground.

Before the national anthems at the match, both teams’ flags were displayed on the field as part of the usual World Cup protocol. However, unlike previous matches where flags were lowered during the ceremony, Saudi Arabia’s flag remained held high.

To avoid any controversy over one flag being lowered while another remained raised, Uruguay’s flag was also kept elevated during the ceremony.

Saudi Arabia is one of only two World Cup participating nations whose flags contain religious inscriptions. The Saudi flag carries the Kalima, while Iraq’s flag includes the phrase Allahu Akbar.

According to Saudi tradition, the national flag must never be placed on the ground because of the sacred words written on it. FIFA honoured this practice following a request from Saudi authorities, receiving praise for respecting the country’s cultural and religious values.

TZ