FIFA bans Barrow AFC flag from World Cup over submarine badge
A Barrow AFC supporter was prevented from displaying his flag at an England World Cup match because the club’s badge includes an image of a submarine.
John Little had taken a St George’s flag featuring the Barrow AFC crest to England’s opening game against Croatia in Dallas.
However, FIFA rejected the flag because its rules do not allow military equipment or weapon imagery to be displayed inside World Cup stadiums.
The submarine at the top of Barrow’s badge represents the town’s long connection with shipbuilding and submarine construction. It has formed part of the club’s identity for many years.
Barrow AFC responded to the decision by publishing a temporary version of its badge with the submarine blurred out.
The club joked that the change would allow Mr Little to represent the Bluebirds during the rest of the tournament. It also asked FIFA whether the arrow shown elsewhere on the badge would have to be removed.
Flag required approval before the game
Supporters wishing to take larger flags and banners into World Cup venues must submit them for approval.
Mr Little and his fellow supporters applied to display their Barrow flag before England’s match against Croatia.
They did not expect the small submarine on the club badge to cause a problem. However, FIFA said the application could not be approved because the flag contained military imagery.
The governing body said it would consider a new application if the submarine was covered.
Mr Little described the decision as harsh and said he could understand restrictions involving clear images of guns or knives.
However, he questioned why the small submarine on a football club badge should prevent the flag from entering the stadium.
Submarine reflects Barrow’s history
The submarine on Barrow AFC’s badge is closely linked to the town rather than being intended as a political or military message.
Barrow has a long history of shipbuilding, while its shipyard remains one of the country’s main centres for submarine construction.
The club crest also includes other symbols connected with Barrow. These include an arrow and a bee, which refer to features found on the town’s coat of arms.
The badge therefore represents the town’s heritage and local identity.
FIFA’s policy applies to images classed as military equipment, regardless of the meaning intended by the supporter or club.
Club responds with temporary badge
Following the rejection, Barrow AFC shared an edited crest on social media in which the submarine had been hidden.
The club said the temporary design would help its supporter represent the Bluebirds at England’s remaining World Cup fixtures.
It also made light of the situation by asking whether the arrow on the badge might be viewed as another banned weapon.
The response attracted attention from football supporters across the country, with many questioning whether FIFA’s rules had been applied too strictly.
Mr Little and the other Barrow supporters are expected to submit the altered flag for approval before England’s next match.
FIFA has indicated that it would be willing to approve the flag if the submarine image is properly covered.
The dispute means Barrow supporters may still be able to display their flag during the tournament, but only with one of the club badge’s most recognisable local symbols hidden from view.
