Why Saudi Arabia’s flag cannot touch the pitch at the World Cup | OneFootball

Saudi Arabia’s flag is not laid on the pitch during the World Cup anthem ceremony, so the protocol has been adjusted. Many viewers first noticed it during the meeting with Spain.

According to Superdeporte, FIFA’s new pre-match ceremony lines up both teams in the centre of the pitch with their flags spread behind them. For Saudi Arabia, volunteers carry the flag so it never touches the grass.

The green banner carries the Shahada in white, one of the five pillars of Islam. It is treated as a religious text rather than a decorative emblem.

Saudi law forbids the flag from contacting the ground, water or any lower surface, even during periods of official mourning.

In previous World Cups this was not an issue, as flags were usually held upright by volunteers. The current practice of unfurling them on the turf has required a change.

A similar arrangement applies to Iraq, which was visible in their match against Norway.

Source: Superdeporte