Michelle Scrogham, Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness, has tabled an motion in the House of Commons challenging FIFA’s decision to prohibit supporters of Barrow AFC from displaying flags featuring the club’s historic crest at the FIFA World Cup.
The motion, co-signed by Barrow-born Labour MPs Paul Foster (South Ribble) and Cat Smith (Lancaster and Wyre) raises concerns that FIFA has refused permission for the flag on the grounds that the crest includes a submarine, which it has deemed to fall within restrictions on military or weapon-related imagery.
The Barrow MP’s parliamentary motion highlights that the submarine is a longstanding emblem of Barrow-in-Furness, reflecting the town’s proud shipbuilding heritage and its globally recognised role in designing and constructing submarines for the Royal Navy.
The Early Day Motion emphasises that the crest represents local identity, community pride and industrial heritage, rather than any political message or endorsement of conflict. It also pays tribute to generations of workers, engineers, apprentices, and skilled tradespeople whose contribution has shaped the town’s character and prosperity.
Speaking after tabling the motion, Michelle Scrogham MP said:
“Barrow AFC’s crest is a proud symbol of our town’s identity, history, and achievements. The submarine is not a political statement it reflects the generations of skilled workers who have built a world-class industry here in Barrow-in-Furness. FIFA’s decision to ban supporters from displaying this emblem at the World Cup is deeply disappointing and misunderstands its true meaning. I am urging FIFA to reconsider, engage with the club and its fans, and adopt a more proportionate approach that respects the cultural and historical significance of community symbols while ensuring football remains welcoming to all.”
The motion calls on FIFA to take a balanced and proportionate approach that recognises the importance of local heritage and community emblems, while upholding its commitment to inclusivity within the global game.
Ends
FULL TEXT OF THE MOTION:
FIFA’s ban on flags showing Barrow AFC’s historic crest at World Cup 2026
That this House notes with concern FIFA’s decision to refuse permission for supporters of Barrow AFC to display a flag bearing the club’s historic crest at the FIFA World Cup on the grounds that the badge includes the image of a submarine and therefore falls within FIFA’s restrictions on military or weapon-related imagery; recognises that the submarine depicted on the crest is a longstanding symbol of Barrow-in-Furness and reflects the town’s unique shipbuilding heritage and its internationally renowned role in the design and construction of submarines for the Royal Navy; further notes that the crest is an expression of local identity, community pride and industrial heritage rather than a political statement or endorsement of conflict; acknowledges the generations of workers, engineers, apprentices and skilled tradespeople whose efforts have contributed to the prosperity and character of the town; believes that sporting bodies should distinguish between historic civic symbols and imagery intended to promote violence or military activity; and calls on FIFA to review its decision, engage constructively with Barrow AFC and its supporters, and adopt a more proportionate approach that respects the cultural and historical significance of community emblems while maintaining its commitment to ensuring that football remains open and welcoming to all.
