The U.S. Soccer Federation shared a doctored image of Iran's national flag on social media over the weekend that removed the emblem of the Islamic Republic. U.S. Soccer said the alteration was an intentional show of support for protesters in Iran.

Iran responded by calling for FIFA to remove the U.S. from the World Cup and also receive a 10-game suspension. The two countries are set to face each other Tuesday, with both sides in contention to reach the knockout stage.

In a statement to CNN, U.S. Soccer said it planned to keep the post up for 24 hours. U.S. Soccer said it wanted to show "support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights," but always planned to return the emblem to the flag.

Protests have rocked Iran since September when a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini, was arrested by the country's morality police, and later died in detainment. Authorities have responded with force, cracking down on protestors with batons and being filmed firing live ammunition on the streets.

However, protests have not died down despite the brutal response, and the stench of turmoil has followed Iran to its not-so-far Middle Eastern neighbor in Qatar. In Iran's two World Cup games, signs and banners supporting protestors have been readily visible, and arguments have broken out between pro and anti-government supporters.

U.S. Soccer's posts were removed shortly after they had been shared on social media, and it does not appear the national team will face any consequences for the protest.

FIFA, soccer's governing body, has declined to comment.

Iranian state media calls for the expulsion and suspension of the U.S. Men's National Soccer team, following the release of a doctored flag.

The altered image is not the only controversy that has been stirred leading up to the all-important Tuesday matchup. Former U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann slammed Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz and Iran for poor gamesmanship.

Soccer Football Twitter