Can FIFA ban political speech and water bottles? Here’s what we know

The World Cup launches soon in Los Angeles during tumultuous times.

It's still not clear if Iran's national team will make it to its two games here amid the U.S. war, and if they do, they'll show up to a diaspora unsure how to greet them. SoFi workers have voted to authorize a strike at the stadium, which means there could be a picket line outside the opening U.S. match against Paraguay. And ICE agents are part of the World Cup security apparatus.

This all means there could be protests at the stadium or various fan events. Even if demonstrations don't materialize, there are plenty of questions about what's happening with the tournament, what's allowed in the stadium and fan zones, and what else to expect. Even FIFA's water bottle policy (they're not allowed) is sparking criticism.

Below, we answer some of your questions about what's ahead and how to prepare when the World Cup arrives in L.A. on June 12.

What's allowed in the stadium?

FIFA's rules about what fans can bring into the stadium are strict. Sealed water bottles and even empty reusable water bottles are prohibited — a rule that's raised eyebrows since the tournament is taking place in the heat of summer.

Fans can bring posters and flags if they're under a certain size, but FIFA's guidelines also prohibit any political messages, so some signs won't be allowed.

All the rules can be found in FIFA's Code of Conduct. Here are some highlights:

What you can bring:

• A flag or poster no larger than 78 inches x 60 inches, if FIFA deems that it adheres to other rules, including one banning political messages
• A clear bag that does not exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches
• A small clutch purse or wallet no larger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches (does not need to be clear)

What you can't bring:

• Materials, including flags and posters, that are "political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature"
• A sealed water bottle or an empty reusable water bottle
• Outside food, except for baby milk

What about the FIFA Fan Festival and city watch parties?

Similar stadium rules apply at the fan festival. Those guidelines are here. LAist has asked the Los Angeles host committee if reusable water bottles are also banned at fan zones, but did not receive an answer as of publication.

The city of L.A. is hosting watch parties that don't require a ticket, which means there aren't the same restrictions on what you can bring. Details are here.

Free speech in and around the stadium

If you're wondering if FIFA has a right to ban political speech within its stadiums, the short answer is yes, according to David Loy, legal director of the First Amendment Coalition.

" The First Amendment protects against censorship by the government. It does not apply to the actions of private entities," Loy said. "A private entity is entitled to set its own rules for what speech it allows and doesn't allow at, at its events."

Loy said people have the strongest First Amendment protections in a "traditional public forum" like a public park, street or sidewalk. In those settings, restrictions on protests have to be politically neutral. That means demonstrations can still be limited by what are known as "time, place, or manner restrictions" — such as noise regulations — but not because of the content of the demonstration.

ICE at the World Cup

A number of officials have confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be part of the security plan for the World Cup in Los Angeles, sparking outrage.

L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna recently said he'd received assurances from the Department of Homeland Security that ICE would not be conducting immigration enforcement.

Still, L.A. host committee officials and others have offered no guarantees that immigration enforcement won't take place.

LAist has a "Know Your Rights" guide to interacting with ICE agents here.

SoFi Stadium workers represented by Unite Here Local 11 are also currently negotiating with their employer for the right to walk off the job if they feel unsafe due to the presence of ICE agents at their workplace.

What if I have a human rights concern? What can I do?

FIFA has a grievance mechanism where you can report human rights concerns. You can find that portal here.

L.A. County has also deployed its 211 helpline for the World Cup. You can call 211 to submit a complaint.

Still, some groups aren't satisfied, saying human rights at the tournament have been an afterthought. You can read our stories on those concerns here.